FOLSX vs. VT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FOLSX (Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2045 Fund) and VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) are both funds - FOLSX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Fidelity, while VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index. Over the past 5 years, FOLSX returned 11.31%/yr vs 10.99%/yr for VT. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FOLSX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VT.

Performance

FOLSX vs. VT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2045 Fund (FOLSX) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FOLSX achieves a 13.74% return, which is significantly higher than VT's 12.24% return.

FOLSX

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 13.74%
• 6M: 15.27%
• 1Y: 30.71%
• 3Y*: 21.91%
• 5Y*: 11.31%
• 10Y*: —

VT

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 12.24%
• 6M: 13.14%
• 1Y: 29.24%
• 3Y*: 20.93%
• 5Y*: 10.99%
• 10Y*: 12.74%

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

FOLSX vs. VT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FOLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2045 Fund	13.74%	22.80%	18.19%	21.01%	-18.57%	16.89%	18.48%	25.93%	-8.31%	10.13%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	12.24%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	11.59%

Correlation

The correlation between FOLSX and VT is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2017	0.98

The correlation between FOLSX and VT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FOLSX vs. VT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FOLSX

FOLSX Risk / Return Rank: 74
FOLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FOLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FOLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
FOLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FOLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 67
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

FOLSX vs. VT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2045 Fund (FOLSX) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). 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.

	FOLSX	VT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	2.31	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	3.20	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.42	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	3.04	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.81	13.53	+1.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FOLSX vs. VT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FOLSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is comparable to the VT Sharpe Ratio of 2.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FOLSX and VT, 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

	FOLSX	VT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.54	2.31	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.69	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.78	0.44	+0.34

Drawdowns

FOLSX vs. VT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FOLSX drawdown since its inception was -31.26%, smaller than the maximum VT drawdown of -50.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FOLSX and VT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FOLSX	VT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.26%	-50.27%	+19.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-9.67%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.37%	-16.51%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.41%	-26.38%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.88%	+0.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.43%	-7.02%	+1.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	2.17%	-0.06%

Volatility

FOLSX vs. VT - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2045 Fund (FOLSX) has a higher volatility of 4.06% compared to Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) at 3.83%. This indicates that FOLSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FOLSX	VT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	3.83%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.09%	10.17%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.38%	12.70%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.10%	16.05%	-0.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.06%	17.23%	-1.17%

FOLSX vs. VT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FOLSX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than VT's 0.06% 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

FOLSX vs. VT - Dividend Comparison

FOLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.92%, more than VT's 1.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FOLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2045 Fund	6.92%	3.83%	7.67%	2.13%	5.40%	8.63%	5.73%	7.00%	8.17%	3.11%	0.00%	0.00%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.59%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FOLSX and VT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, FOLSX and VT 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, FOLSX or VT?

FOLSX has higher volatility (4.06%) compared to VT (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FOLSX dropped -31.26% vs VT's -50.27%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FOLSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 2.31), 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.