FNSOX vs. FSTAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FNSOX (Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund) and FSTAX (Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund Class A) are both Total Bond Market funds from Fidelity. Over the past 5 years, FNSOX returned 1.59%/yr vs 2.73%/yr for FSTAX. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNSOX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for FSTAX.

Performance

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund (FNSOX) and Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund Class A (FSTAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNSOX achieves a 0.07% return, which is significantly lower than FSTAX's 3.28% return.

FNSOX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.07%
• 6M: 0.42%
• 1Y: 3.05%
• 3Y*: 4.48%
• 5Y*: 1.59%
• 10Y*: —

FSTAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.33%
• YTD: 3.28%
• 6M: 3.65%
• 1Y: 8.93%
• 3Y*: 7.49%
• 5Y*: 2.73%
• 10Y*: 4.07%

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

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNSOX Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.07%	6.01%	3.90%	4.90%	-5.76%	-1.25%	4.28%	4.95%	1.14%	-0.22%
FSTAX Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund Class A	3.28%	8.68%	4.93%	8.82%	-11.98%	3.22%	7.21%	10.74%	-2.94%	0.56%

Correlation

The correlation between FNSOX and FSTAX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2017	0.55

The correlation between FNSOX and FSTAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (all time) to 0.69 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FNSOX vs. FSTAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNSOX

FNSOX Risk / Return Rank: 38
FNSOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
FNSOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FNSOX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
FNSOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
FNSOX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

FSTAX

FSTAX Risk / Return Rank: 84
FSTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FSTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FSTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FSTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FSTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund (FNSOX) and Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund Class A (FSTAX). 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.

	FNSOX	FSTAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.53	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	3.79	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.53	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	3.49	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.88	14.97	-8.09

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNSOX Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the FSTAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNSOX and FSTAX, 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

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNSOX drawdown since its inception was -8.92%, smaller than the maximum FSTAX drawdown of -23.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNSOX and FSTAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNSOX	FSTAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.92%	-23.29%	+14.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.47%	-2.65%	+1.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.51%	-4.04%	+2.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.77%	-16.18%	+7.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-16.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-0.08%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.73%	-4.82%	+3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.47%	0.62%	-0.15%

Volatility

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund (FNSOX) is 0.71%, while Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund Class A (FSTAX) has a volatility of 1.35%. This indicates that FNSOX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSTAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNSOX	FSTAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.71%	1.35%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.56%	3.07%	-1.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08%	3.67%	-1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.90%	4.52%	-1.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.47%	4.45%	-1.98%

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNSOX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than FSTAX's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNSOX vs. FSTAX - Dividend Comparison

FNSOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, less than FSTAX's 4.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNSOX Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund	3.54%	3.22%	2.80%	1.74%	0.81%	0.80%	1.54%	2.61%	2.04%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%
FSTAX Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund Class A	4.00%	4.05%	3.21%	3.70%	2.70%	4.01%	4.32%	4.06%	3.50%	3.70%	3.49%	2.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNSOX and FSTAX in my portfolio?

FNSOX and FSTAX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNSOX or FSTAX?

FSTAX has higher volatility (1.35%) compared to FNSOX (0.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNSOX dropped -8.92% vs FSTAX's -23.29%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.57), 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.