FHLFX vs. VGTSX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FHLFX (Fidelity Series International Index Fund) and VGTSX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, FHLFX returned 8.50%/yr vs 8.37%/yr for VGTSX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FHLFX charges 0.01%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VGTSX.

Performance

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Series International Index Fund (FHLFX) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares (VGTSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FHLFX achieves a 8.67% return, which is significantly lower than VGTSX's 14.44% return.

FHLFX

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 2.18%
• YTD: 8.67%
• 6M: 10.92%
• 1Y: 20.95%
• 3Y*: 16.87%
• 5Y*: 8.50%
• 10Y*: —

VGTSX

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.55%
• YTD: 14.44%
• 6M: 16.95%
• 1Y: 31.37%
• 3Y*: 19.38%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 9.70%

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

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FHLFX Fidelity Series International Index Fund	8.67%	31.96%	3.67%	18.16%	-14.17%	11.23%	8.09%	21.66%	-10.70%
VGTSX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares	14.44%	32.05%	5.30%	15.18%	-16.07%	8.58%	11.15%	21.44%	-10.36%

Correlation

The correlation between FHLFX and VGTSX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2018	0.96

The correlation between FHLFX and VGTSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FHLFX vs. VGTSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FHLFX

FHLFX Risk / Return Rank: 27
FHLFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FHLFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FHLFX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FHLFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
FHLFX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

VGTSX

VGTSX Risk / Return Rank: 56
VGTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VGTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VGTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VGTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VGTSX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Series International Index Fund (FHLFX) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares (VGTSX). 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.

	FHLFX	VGTSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	2.27	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	3.09	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.42	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.86	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.13	11.29	-4.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FHLFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is lower than the VGTSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FHLFX and VGTSX, 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

	FHLFX	VGTSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46	2.27	-0.81
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.56	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.32	+0.20

Drawdowns

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FHLFX drawdown since its inception was -33.58%, smaller than the maximum VGTSX drawdown of -61.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FHLFX and VGTSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FHLFX	VGTSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.58%	-61.48%	+27.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.37%	-11.29%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.62%	-13.11%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.36%	-29.61%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-0.79%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.11%	-13.97%	+7.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	2.86%	+0.17%

Volatility

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Series International Index Fund (FHLFX) is 4.57%, while Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares (VGTSX) has a volatility of 4.89%. This indicates that FHLFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGTSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FHLFX	VGTSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.57%	4.89%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	11.92%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.83%	14.22%	+0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.98%	15.03%	+0.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.64%	15.93%	+1.71%

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FHLFX has a 0.01% expense ratio, which is lower than VGTSX's 0.17% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FHLFX vs. VGTSX - Dividend Comparison

FHLFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.19%, more than VGTSX's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FHLFX Fidelity Series International Index Fund	3.19%	3.46%	2.98%	2.86%	2.60%	2.47%	1.92%	1.95%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGTSX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares	2.55%	3.08%	3.26%	3.16%	2.98%	2.99%	2.05%	2.98%	3.09%	2.68%	2.86%	2.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FHLFX and VGTSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FHLFX and VGTSX 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, FHLFX or VGTSX?

VGTSX has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to FHLFX (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FHLFX dropped -33.58% vs VGTSX's -61.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGTSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.46), 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.