FHEQ vs. FSTA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FHEQ (Fidelity Hedged Equity ETF) and FSTA (Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FHEQ is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by Fidelity, while FSTA is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index. FHEQ is actively managed, while FSTA is passively managed. Over the past year, FHEQ returned 17.16% vs 5.28% for FSTA. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FHEQ charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for FSTA.

Performance

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Hedged Equity ETF (FHEQ) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FHEQ achieves a 6.23% return, which is significantly lower than FSTA's 8.86% return.

FHEQ

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: 6.23%
• 6M: 5.31%
• 1Y: 17.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FSTA

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: -0.47%
• YTD: 8.86%
• 6M: 8.88%
• 1Y: 5.28%
• 3Y*: 8.04%
• 5Y*: 7.17%
• 10Y*: 7.91%

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

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FHEQ Fidelity Hedged Equity ETF	6.23%	13.34%	11.10%
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	8.86%	1.82%	8.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FHEQ and FSTA is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2024	0.14

The correlation between FHEQ and FSTA shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.14 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FHEQ vs. FSTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FHEQ

FHEQ Risk / Return Rank: 52
FHEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FHEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FHEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FHEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
FHEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

FSTA

FSTA Risk / Return Rank: 14
FSTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
FSTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
FSTA Omega Ratio Rank: 13
FSTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
FSTA Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Hedged Equity ETF (FHEQ) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA). 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.

	FHEQ	FSTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	0.42	+1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	0.69	+1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.08	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	0.57	+1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.65	1.12	+7.53

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FHEQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is higher than the FSTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FHEQ and FSTA, 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

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FHEQ drawdown since its inception was -11.12%, smaller than the maximum FSTA drawdown of -25.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FHEQ and FSTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FHEQ	FSTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.12%	-25.13%	+14.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.77%	-9.29%	+1.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.76%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.58%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-25.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.84%	-5.90%	+3.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.83%	-3.56%	+1.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	4.71%	-2.72%

Volatility

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Hedged Equity ETF (FHEQ) is 4.02%, while Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) has a volatility of 4.99%. This indicates that FHEQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSTA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FHEQ	FSTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.02%	4.99%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.46%	10.34%	-2.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.98%	12.79%	-2.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.57%	13.17%	-2.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.57%	14.59%	-4.02%

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FHEQ has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than FSTA's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FHEQ vs. FSTA - Dividend Comparison

FHEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, less than FSTA's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FHEQ Fidelity Hedged Equity ETF	0.55%	0.63%	0.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	2.20%	2.34%	2.25%	2.66%	2.26%	2.15%	2.47%	2.46%	3.01%	2.42%	2.53%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FHEQ and FSTA in my portfolio?

FHEQ and FSTA have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FHEQ or FSTA?

FSTA has higher volatility (4.99%) compared to FHEQ (4.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FHEQ dropped -11.12% vs FSTA's -25.13%.

Which ETF is better, FHEQ or FSTA?

On 1-year performance, FHEQ leads with 17.16% vs 5.28% for FSTA. On fees, FSTA is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FHEQ has been the lower-risk option at 4.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FHEQ or FSTA?

Over the 1-year period, FHEQ has performed better with a 17.16% return vs 5.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FHEQ or FSTA?

FSTA is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for FHEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FHEQ or FSTA?

FSTA has the higher dividend yield at 2.20%, compared with 0.55% for FHEQ.

What is the main difference between FHEQ and FSTA?

FHEQ is categorized as Equity Hedged, while FSTA is Consumer Staples Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for FHEQ and 0.08% for FSTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FHEQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 0.42), 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.