FLRG vs. FSMD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FLRG (Fidelity U.S. Multifactor ETF) and FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLRG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Fidelity U.S. Multifactor Index, while FSMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLRG returned 12.57%/yr vs 10.79%/yr for FSMD. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.29% expense ratio.

Performance

FLRG vs. FSMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity U.S. Multifactor ETF (FLRG) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLRG achieves a 7.83% return, which is significantly lower than FSMD's 18.77% return.

FLRG

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -0.25%
• YTD: 7.83%
• 6M: 6.48%
• 1Y: 18.57%
• 3Y*: 18.52%
• 5Y*: 12.57%
• 10Y*: —

FSMD

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 5.08%
• YTD: 18.77%
• 6M: 16.11%
• 1Y: 30.47%
• 3Y*: 18.87%
• 5Y*: 10.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

FLRG vs. FSMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FLRG Fidelity U.S. Multifactor ETF	7.83%	13.92%	23.36%	18.31%	-10.98%	29.36%	9.90%
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	18.77%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	19.95%

Correlation

The correlation between FLRG and FSMD is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 17, 2020	0.84

The correlation between FLRG and FSMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLRG vs. FSMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLRG	FSMD
Technology	38.8%	20.5%
Financial Services	11.4%	14.8%
Communication Services	9.9%	2.9%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	10.6%
Healthcare	9.1%	11.7%
Industrials	7.3%	20.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	3.1%
Energy	4.3%	4.1%
Basic Materials	2.3%	4.0%
Real Estate	2.0%	6.2%
Utilities	1.0%	2.1%

Return for Risk

FLRG vs. FSMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLRG

FLRG Risk / Return Rank: 54
FLRG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FLRG Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FLRG Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FLRG Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
FLRG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 65
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

FLRG vs. FSMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity U.S. Multifactor ETF (FLRG) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). 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.

	FLRG	FSMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.95	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.81	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	3.63	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.00	13.05	-3.05

FLRG vs. FSMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLRG Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the FSMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLRG and FSMD, 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

FLRG vs. FSMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLRG drawdown since its inception was -19.64%, smaller than the maximum FSMD drawdown of -40.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLRG and FSMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLRG	FSMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.64%	-40.67%	+21.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.16%	-8.44%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.53%	-22.16%	+5.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.64%	-22.16%	+2.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.55%	0.00%	-1.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-5.97%	+2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.86%	2.34%	-0.48%

Volatility

FLRG vs. FSMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity U.S. Multifactor ETF (FLRG) is 3.70%, while Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) has a volatility of 4.86%. This indicates that FLRG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLRG	FSMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	4.86%	-1.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.23%	11.92%	-3.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.54%	15.73%	-5.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.23%	18.53%	-3.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.02%	21.41%	-6.39%

FLRG vs. FSMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FLRG and FSMD have an expense ratio of 0.29%.

Dividends

FLRG vs. FSMD - Dividend Comparison

FLRG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%, more than FSMD's 1.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FLRG Fidelity U.S. Multifactor ETF	1.40%	1.42%	1.42%	1.39%	1.62%	1.36%	1.47%	0.00%
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.22%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLRG and FSMD in my portfolio?

FLRG and FSMD have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLRG or FSMD?

FSMD has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to FLRG (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLRG dropped -19.64% vs FSMD's -40.67%.

Which ETF is better, FLRG or FSMD?

On 5-year performance, FLRG leads with 12.57% vs 10.79% for FSMD. Both ETFs have the same 0.29% expense ratio. On volatility, FLRG has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLRG or FSMD?

Over the 5-year period, FLRG has performed better with a 12.57% return vs 10.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLRG or FSMD?

FLRG and FSMD have the same expense ratio: 0.29% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLRG or FSMD?

FLRG has the higher dividend yield at 1.40%, compared with 1.22% for FSMD.

What is the main difference between FLRG and FSMD?

FLRG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while FSMD is Small Cap Growth Equities. FLRG tracks Fidelity U.S. Multifactor Index, while FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.77), 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.