FEX vs. FCNTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FEX (First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund) and FCNTX (Fidelity Contrafund) are both funds - FEX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Large Cap Core Index, while FCNTX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, FEX returned 13.56%/yr vs 18.01%/yr for FCNTX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FEX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for FCNTX.

Performance

FEX vs. FCNTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) and Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEX achieves a 16.10% return, which is significantly higher than FCNTX's 8.62% return. Over the past 10 years, FEX has underperformed FCNTX with an annualized return of 13.56%, while FCNTX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.01% annualized return.

FEX

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 14.91%
• 1Y: 28.96%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 11.42%
• 10Y*: 13.56%

FCNTX

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 8.62%
• 6M: 7.74%
• 1Y: 22.83%
• 3Y*: 26.52%
• 5Y*: 14.58%
• 10Y*: 18.01%

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

FEX vs. FCNTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FEX First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	16.10%	15.05%	17.07%	14.31%	-11.86%	26.83%	14.28%	26.93%	-9.89%	21.41%
FCNTX Fidelity Contrafund	8.62%	21.76%	36.00%	38.67%	-28.31%	24.52%	32.48%	30.00%	-3.81%	32.18%

Correlation

The correlation between FEX and FCNTX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.82

The correlation between FEX and FCNTX shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (1 year) to 0.82 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FEX vs. FCNTX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FEX	FCNTX
Technology	22.2%	25.5%
Industrials	18.8%	5.8%
Financial Services	13.6%	15.5%
Healthcare	8.8%	7.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	10.3%
Utilities	7.0%	1.8%
Energy	5.6%	1.6%
Real Estate	4.5%	0.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	3.0%
Basic Materials	3.5%	1.7%
Communication Services	3.4%	20.8%

Return for Risk

FEX vs. FCNTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEX

FEX Risk / Return Rank: 78
FEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FEX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
FEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FEX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

FCNTX

FCNTX Risk / Return Rank: 37
FCNTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FCNTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FCNTX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FCNTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
FCNTX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

FEX vs. FCNTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) and Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX). 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.

	FEX	FCNTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.61	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	2.22	+0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.29	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.67	2.14	+2.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.75	8.97	+7.78

FEX vs. FCNTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEX Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is higher than the FCNTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEX and FCNTX, 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

FEX vs. FCNTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEX drawdown since its inception was -58.81%, which is greater than FCNTX's maximum drawdown of -49.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEX and FCNTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEX	FCNTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.81%	-49.19%	-9.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-11.30%	+5.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.58%	-19.75%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.27%	-32.59%	+11.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.51%	-32.59%	-6.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-2.59%	+1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-8.15%	+0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	2.69%	-0.96%

Volatility

FEX vs. FCNTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) is 5.09%, while Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX) has a volatility of 6.33%. This indicates that FEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FCNTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEX	FCNTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	6.33%	-1.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.99%	11.87%	-1.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.19%	15.10%	-1.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.57%	19.32%	-2.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.60%	19.76%	-1.16%

FEX vs. FCNTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than FCNTX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEX vs. FCNTX - Dividend Comparison

FEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, less than FCNTX's 4.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCNTX Fidelity Contrafund	4.30%	5.21%	4.19%	3.78%	11.87%	10.80%	8.01%	4.16%	7.46%	6.08%	3.81%	5.33%
FEX First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	0.94%	1.10%	1.18%	1.38%	1.61%	0.80%	1.21%	1.32%	1.34%	1.07%	1.29%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEX and FCNTX in my portfolio?

FEX and FCNTX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FEX or FCNTX?

FCNTX has higher volatility (6.33%) compared to FEX (5.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEX dropped -58.81% vs FCNTX's -49.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.61), 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.