FELG vs. FESM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FELG (Fidelity Enhanced Large Cap Growth ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FELG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity, while FESM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FELG returned 18.25% vs 45.13% for FESM. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FELG charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

FELG vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Enhanced Large Cap Growth ETF (FELG) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF (FESM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FELG achieves a 5.58% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 25.89% return.

FELG

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 2.20%
• 6M: 5.40%
• YTD: 5.58%
• 1Y: 18.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FESM

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 2.41%
• 6M: 19.62%
• YTD: 25.89%
• 1Y: 45.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FELG vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FELG Fidelity Enhanced Large Cap Growth ETF	5.58%	18.44%	35.45%	4.37%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF	25.89%	17.88%	16.22%	12.09%

Correlation

The correlation between FELG and FESM is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2023	0.64

The correlation between FELG and FESM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

FELG vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FELG	FESM
Technology	54.4%	23.3%
Communication Services	14.4%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.1%	7.7%
Industrials	7.2%	18.5%
Financial Services	6.4%	14.6%
Healthcare	5.3%	16.1%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	1.1%
Utilities	1.2%	1.8%
Energy	0.6%	5.9%
Basic Materials	0.1%	4.0%
Real Estate	0.1%	3.9%

Return for Risk

FELG vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FELG

FELG Risk / Return Rank: 34
FELG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
FELG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
FELG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
FELG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FELG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 88
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FESM 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.

FELG vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Enhanced Large Cap Growth ETF (FELG) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF (FESM). 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.

	FELG	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	2.34	-1.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	3.19	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.39	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	4.45	-3.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.67	16.00	-12.33

FELG vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FELG Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FELG and FESM, 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

FELG vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FELG drawdown since its inception was -23.89%, smaller than the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FELG and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FELG	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.89%	-26.93%	+3.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.17%	-10.18%	-5.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.28%	-1.99%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.57%	-4.63%	+1.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.98%	2.83%	+2.15%

Volatility

FELG vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Enhanced Large Cap Growth ETF (FELG) has a higher volatility of 5.89% compared to Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF (FESM) at 4.29%. This indicates that FELG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FESM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FELG	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.89%	4.29%	+1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.25%	14.10%	-0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.63%	19.37%	-2.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.98%	21.18%	-1.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.98%	21.18%	-1.20%

FELG vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FELG has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

FELG vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

FELG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.35%, less than FESM's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FELG Fidelity Enhanced Large Cap Growth ETF	0.35%	0.38%	0.44%	0.11%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF	0.72%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FELG and FESM in my portfolio?

FELG and FESM have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FELG or FESM?

FELG has higher volatility (5.89%) compared to FESM (4.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FELG dropped -23.89% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, FELG or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 45.13% vs 18.25% for FELG. On fees, FELG is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, FESM has been the lower-risk option at 4.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FELG or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 45.13% return vs 18.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FELG or FESM?

FELG is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for FESM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FELG or FESM?

FESM has the higher dividend yield at 0.72%, compared with 0.35% for FELG.

What is the main difference between FELG and FESM?

FELG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while FESM is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for FELG and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.10), 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.