FISMX vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

FISMX (Fidelity International Small Cap Fund) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both funds - FISMX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Fidelity, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Over the past 10 years, FISMX returned 8.45%/yr vs 10.62%/yr for VYMI. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FISMX charges 1.01%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

FISMX vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Small Cap Fund (FISMX) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FISMX achieves a 6.71% return, which is significantly lower than VYMI's 10.04% return. Over the past 10 years, FISMX has underperformed VYMI with an annualized return of 8.45%, while VYMI has yielded a comparatively higher 10.62% annualized return.

FISMX

• 1D: -2.43%
• 1M: -2.46%
• YTD: 6.71%
• 6M: 8.63%
• 1Y: 14.65%
• 3Y*: 13.10%
• 5Y*: 5.49%
• 10Y*: 8.45%

VYMI

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 13.58%
• 1Y: 27.88%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: 11.79%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

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

FISMX vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FISMX Fidelity International Small Cap Fund	6.71%	24.73%	0.05%	19.62%	-16.66%	13.44%	9.98%	21.45%	-16.08%	31.58%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	10.04%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between FISMX and VYMI is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2016	0.85

The correlation between FISMX and VYMI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FISMX vs. VYMI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FISMX

FISMX Risk / Return Rank: 19
FISMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
FISMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
FISMX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
FISMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
FISMX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 69
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

FISMX vs. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Small Cap Fund (FISMX) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). 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.

	FISMX	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	2.14	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.91	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	2.76	-1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.89	10.83	-5.95
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FISMX vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FISMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FISMX and VYMI, 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

	FISMX	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.18	2.14	-0.96
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.80	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.63	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.64	+0.08

Drawdowns

FISMX vs. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FISMX drawdown since its inception was -60.94%, which is greater than VYMI's maximum drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FISMX and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FISMX	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.94%	-40.00%	-20.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-10.14%	-0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.70%	-12.84%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.07%	-24.05%	-7.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.80%	-40.00%	+1.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.19%	-2.52%	-1.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.64%	-6.31%	-4.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	2.58%	+0.42%

Volatility

FISMX vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity International Small Cap Fund (FISMX) has a higher volatility of 4.04% compared to Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) at 3.69%. This indicates that FISMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FISMX	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.04%	3.69%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.46%	10.94%	-0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.47%	13.13%	-0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.61%	14.87%	-1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.07%	16.88%	-2.81%

FISMX vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FISMX has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FISMX vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

FISMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.36%, less than VYMI's 3.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FISMX Fidelity International Small Cap Fund	3.36%	3.58%	2.64%	1.87%	0.70%	7.28%	0.83%	2.32%	6.14%	2.46%	2.70%	2.80%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.48%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FISMX and VYMI in my portfolio?

FISMX and VYMI have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FISMX or VYMI?

FISMX has higher volatility (4.04%) compared to VYMI (3.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FISMX dropped -60.94% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.18), 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.