FIGFX vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FIGFX (Fidelity International Growth Fund) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FIGFX returned 10.02%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FIGFX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

FIGFX vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Growth Fund (FIGFX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FIGFX achieves a 12.85% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.69% return. Over the past 10 years, FIGFX has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 10.02%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 11.06% annualized return.

FIGFX

• 1D: 2.23%
• 1M: 6.65%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 6M: 12.75%
• 1Y: 23.06%
• 3Y*: 13.59%
• 5Y*: 6.64%
• 10Y*: 10.02%

VEA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 17.33%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

FIGFX vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FIGFX Fidelity International Growth Fund	12.85%	17.91%	4.90%	20.89%	-23.19%	15.42%	16.95%	33.97%	-11.52%	28.83%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between FIGFX and VEA is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2007	0.93

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

Return for Risk

FIGFX vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FIGFX

FIGFX Risk / Return Rank: 21
FIGFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
FIGFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
FIGFX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FIGFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FIGFX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

FIGFX vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Growth Fund (FIGFX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	FIGFX	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	2.16	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	2.93	-1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	3.06	-1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.88	11.80	-5.92

FIGFX vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FIGFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FIGFX and VEA, 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

FIGFX vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FIGFX drawdown since its inception was -55.97%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FIGFX and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FIGFX	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.97%	-60.68%	+4.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.95%	-11.63%	-2.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-13.45%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.91%	-29.71%	-5.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.91%	-35.73%	+0.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.38%	-13.26%	+2.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	3.01%	+0.80%

Volatility

FIGFX vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity International Growth Fund (FIGFX) has a higher volatility of 7.43% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 6.32%. This indicates that FIGFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FIGFX	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.43%	6.32%	+1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.09%	14.39%	+2.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.32%	16.52%	+2.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.31%	16.71%	+1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.92%	17.38%	+0.54%

FIGFX vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FIGFX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FIGFX vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

FIGFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, more than VEA's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FIGFX Fidelity International Growth Fund	3.05%	3.44%	0.78%	0.48%	1.66%	1.93%	0.11%	0.97%	0.88%	0.12%	1.24%	0.77%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.50%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FIGFX and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FIGFX and VEA 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, FIGFX or VEA?

FIGFX has higher volatility (7.43%) compared to VEA (6.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FIGFX dropped -55.97% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.16), 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.