FELAX vs. VFMFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FELAX (Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A) and VFMFX (Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - FELAX is a Semiconductors fund actively managed by Fidelity, while VFMFX is a Multi-factor fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, FELAX returned 40.53%/yr vs 13.38%/yr for VFMFX. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FELAX charges 0.94%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for VFMFX.

Performance

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A (FELAX) and Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FELAX achieves a 75.28% return, which is significantly higher than VFMFX's 16.38% return.

FELAX

• 1D: -7.00%
• 1M: 5.83%
• YTD: 75.28%
• 6M: 72.06%
• 1Y: 135.17%
• 3Y*: 59.90%
• 5Y*: 40.53%
• 10Y*: 37.06%

VFMFX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 16.38%
• 6M: 14.43%
• 1Y: 31.16%
• 3Y*: 21.78%
• 5Y*: 13.38%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FELAX Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A	75.28%	44.88%	43.74%	75.08%	-35.07%	57.50%	43.57%	63.76%	-18.46%
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares	16.38%	14.50%	17.21%	17.89%	-5.78%	30.78%	3.58%	21.81%	-14.83%

Correlation

The correlation between FELAX and VFMFX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2018	0.66

The correlation between FELAX and VFMFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.66 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FELAX vs. VFMFX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FELAX

FELAX Risk / Return Rank: 94
FELAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
FELAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FELAX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FELAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
FELAX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

VFMFX

VFMFX Risk / Return Rank: 83
VFMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VFMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VFMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VFMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VFMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A (FELAX) and Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FELAX	VFMFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.95	2.45	+1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.99	3.54	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.43	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.84	4.44	+5.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	35.59	16.50	+19.09

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FELAX Sharpe Ratio is 3.95, which is higher than the VFMFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FELAX and VFMFX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FELAX drawdown since its inception was -71.33%, which is greater than VFMFX's maximum drawdown of -41.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FELAX and VFMFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FELAX	VFMFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.33%	-41.18%	-30.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.66%	-7.31%	-7.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.43%	-21.18%	-15.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.15%	-21.18%	-24.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.00%	-0.83%	-6.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.84%	-5.85%	-15.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	1.96%	+2.08%

Volatility

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A (FELAX) has a higher volatility of 19.72% compared to Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) at 3.30%. This indicates that FELAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFMFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FELAX	VFMFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.72%	3.30%	+16.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.83%	9.39%	+20.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.50%	13.29%	+23.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.10%	17.99%	+21.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.07%	21.20%	+13.87%

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FELAX has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMFX's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

FELAX vs. VFMFX - Dividend Comparison

FELAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.97%, more than VFMFX's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FELAX Fidelity Advisor Semiconductors Fund Class A	3.97%	6.96%	7.02%	3.40%	3.32%	4.34%	4.51%	1.00%	20.15%	9.67%	0.36%	10.71%
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares	2.35%	2.69%	3.29%	1.66%	2.09%	1.37%	1.48%	1.63%	1.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FELAX and VFMFX in my portfolio?

FELAX and VFMFX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FELAX or VFMFX?

FELAX has higher volatility (19.72%) compared to VFMFX (3.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FELAX dropped -71.33% vs VFMFX's -41.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FELAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.95 vs 2.45), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.