FFSM vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FFSM (Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FFSM is a Mid Cap Blend 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, FFSM returned 38.60% vs 46.73% for FESM. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FFSM charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

FFSM vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FFSM having a 18.92% return and FESM slightly higher at 19.64%.

FFSM

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 3.08%
• YTD: 18.92%
• 6M: 18.95%
• 1Y: 38.60%
• 3Y*: 21.43%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: —

FESM

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 19.64%
• 6M: 19.11%
• 1Y: 46.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FFSM vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FFSM Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF	18.92%	14.89%	14.38%	10.08%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	19.64%	17.88%	16.22%	12.19%

Correlation

The correlation between FFSM and FESM is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2023	0.93

The correlation between FFSM and FESM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

FFSM vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FFSM	FESM
Industrials	29.5%	19.1%
Financial Services	22.7%	14.8%
Technology	14.0%	21.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	7.4%
Healthcare	9.1%	15.7%
Basic Materials	6.2%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	1.4%
Energy	2.2%	7.2%
Utilities	1.8%	2.0%
Real Estate	0.0%	4.2%
Communication Services	-	3.1%

Return for Risk

FFSM vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FFSM

FFSM Risk / Return Rank: 69
FFSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FFSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FFSM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FFSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FFSM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

FFSM vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap 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.

	FFSM	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.48	-0.31
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	3.34	-0.30
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.41	-0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.74	4.61	-0.87
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.16	16.60	-1.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FFSM vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FFSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FFSM 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FFSM	FESM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.16	2.48	-0.31
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	1.29	-0.70

Drawdowns

FFSM vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FFSM drawdown since its inception was -26.65%, roughly equal to the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FFSM and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FFSM	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.65%	-26.93%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.37%	-10.18%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.78%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	-1.59%	+1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.86%	-4.79%	-3.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.55%	2.82%	-0.27%

Volatility

FFSM vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) have volatilities of 5.70% and 5.64%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FFSM	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.70%	5.64%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.98%	13.32%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.96%	18.98%	-1.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.66%	21.26%	-0.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.57%	21.26%	-0.69%

FFSM vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FFSM has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

FFSM vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

FFSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than FESM's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.53%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%
FFSM Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.46%	0.56%	0.62%	0.56%	0.58%	0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FFSM and FESM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FFSM and FESM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FFSM or FESM?

FFSM has higher volatility (5.70%) compared to FESM (5.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FFSM dropped -26.65% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, FFSM or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 46.73% vs 38.60% for FFSM. On fees, FESM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FFSM or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 46.73% return vs 38.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FFSM or FESM?

FESM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FFSM.

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

FESM has the higher dividend yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.46% for FFSM.

What is the main difference between FFSM and FESM?

FFSM is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while FESM is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for FFSM and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 2.16), 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.