FLXSX vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLXSX (Fidelity Flex Small Cap Index Fund) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, FLXSX returned 6.27%/yr vs 6.11%/yr for IWM. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLXSX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

FLXSX vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Flex Small Cap Index Fund (FLXSX) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FLXSX having a 17.21% return and IWM slightly lower at 17.07%.

FLXSX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.96%
• YTD: 17.21%
• 6M: 16.56%
• 1Y: 38.39%
• 3Y*: 17.93%
• 5Y*: 6.27%
• 10Y*: —

IWM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 39.10%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

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

FLXSX vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLXSX Fidelity Flex Small Cap Index Fund	17.21%	12.02%	11.67%	17.11%	-20.29%	14.84%	20.06%	25.69%	-11.13%	14.28%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.15%

Correlation

The correlation between FLXSX and IWM is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2017	1.00

The correlation between FLXSX and IWM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FLXSX vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLXSX

FLXSX Risk / Return Rank: 54
FLXSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
FLXSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
FLXSX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
FLXSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FLXSX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

FLXSX vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Flex Small Cap Index Fund (FLXSX) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.

	FLXSX	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.05	+0.03
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	2.85	0.00
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	3.56	-0.21
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.73	12.64	-0.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLXSX vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLXSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLXSX and IWM, 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

	FLXSX	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08	2.05	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.27	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.37	+0.05

Drawdowns

FLXSX vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLXSX drawdown since its inception was -41.72%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLXSX and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLXSX	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.72%	-59.05%	+17.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.25%	-11.03%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.48%	-27.50%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.88%	-31.91%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-1.49%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.44%	-10.77%	+0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	3.10%	+0.38%

Volatility

FLXSX vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Flex Small Cap Index Fund (FLXSX) is 5.03%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 5.75%. This indicates that FLXSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLXSX	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.03%	5.75%	-0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.19%	13.53%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.72%	19.20%	+0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.66%	22.52%	+0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.00%	23.04%	+0.96%

FLXSX vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLXSX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than IWM's 0.19% 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

FLXSX vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

FLXSX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLXSX Fidelity Flex Small Cap Index Fund	0.00%	0.00%	1.36%	1.49%	1.26%	2.74%	1.06%	2.86%	2.31%	0.77%	0.00%	0.00%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.88%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLXSX and IWM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, FLXSX and IWM 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, FLXSX or IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to FLXSX (5.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLXSX dropped -41.72% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLXSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 2.05), 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.