FEPIX vs. FSHBX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FEPIX (Fidelity Total Bond Fund) and FSHBX (Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund) are both Total Bond Market funds from Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, FEPIX returned 2.13%/yr vs 2.10%/yr for FSHBX. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FEPIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FSHBX.

Performance

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FEPIX) and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEPIX achieves a 0.15% return, which is significantly lower than FSHBX's 0.65% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FEPIX having a 2.13% annualized return and FSHBX not far behind at 2.10%.

FEPIX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.29%
• 6M: 0.15%
• YTD: 0.15%
• 1Y: 4.24%
• 3Y*: 4.56%
• 5Y*: 0.19%
• 10Y*: 2.13%

FSHBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.09%
• 6M: 0.77%
• YTD: 0.65%
• 1Y: 3.35%
• 3Y*: 4.85%
• 5Y*: 2.27%
• 10Y*: 2.10%

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

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FEPIX Fidelity Total Bond Fund	0.15%	7.45%	1.71%	6.79%	-13.55%	-0.46%	9.29%	9.83%	-0.82%	4.24%
FSHBX Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund	0.65%	5.49%	4.73%	5.35%	-3.86%	-0.92%	3.59%	4.20%	1.21%	1.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FEPIX and FSHBX is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2004	0.69

The correlation between FEPIX and FSHBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FEPIX vs. FSHBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEPIX

FEPIX Risk / Return Rank: 21
FEPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
FEPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FEPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FEPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FEPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

FSHBX

FSHBX Risk / Return Rank: 74
FSHBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FSHBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FSHBX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FSHBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
FSHBX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FEPIX) and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX). 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.

	FEPIX	FSHBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	1.70	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.51	2.97	-1.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.41	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.31	2.77	-1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.62	10.56	-6.94

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is lower than the FSHBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEPIX and FSHBX, 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

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEPIX drawdown since its inception was -18.40%, which is greater than FSHBX's maximum drawdown of -8.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEPIX and FSHBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEPIX	FSHBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.40%	-8.80%	-9.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.91%	-1.17%	-1.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.85%	-1.17%	-4.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.40%	-6.36%	-12.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.40%	-6.51%	-11.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.71%	-0.24%	-1.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.47%	-1.04%	-1.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.06%	0.31%	+0.75%

Volatility

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FEPIX) has a higher volatility of 1.04% compared to Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX) at 0.47%. This indicates that FEPIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSHBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEPIX	FSHBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	0.47%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	1.44%	+1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.81%	1.91%	+1.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.68%	2.22%	+3.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.74%	1.86%	+2.88%

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEPIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than FSHBX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEPIX vs. FSHBX - Dividend Comparison

FEPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.32%, more than FSHBX's 4.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEPIX Fidelity Total Bond Fund	4.32%	4.31%	3.74%	3.74%	2.49%	1.87%	5.17%	2.97%	3.14%	2.92%	3.55%	3.25%
FSHBX Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund	4.16%	4.26%	4.00%	3.00%	0.83%	1.04%	2.62%	2.13%	1.78%	1.27%	1.12%	0.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEPIX and FSHBX in my portfolio?

FEPIX and FSHBX have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FEPIX or FSHBX?

FEPIX has higher volatility (1.04%) compared to FSHBX (0.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEPIX dropped -18.40% vs FSHBX's -8.80%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSHBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.00), 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.