FSCOX vs. ISCAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FSCOX (Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund) and ISCAX (Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FSCOX returned 9.08%/yr vs 10.24%/yr for ISCAX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSCOX charges 1.23%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for ISCAX.

Performance

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund (FSCOX) and Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund (ISCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSCOX achieves a 6.74% return, which is significantly lower than ISCAX's 10.83% return. Over the past 10 years, FSCOX has underperformed ISCAX with an annualized return of 9.08%, while ISCAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.24% annualized return.

FSCOX

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: -1.19%
• YTD: 6.74%
• 6M: 7.38%
• 1Y: 15.64%
• 3Y*: 13.62%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 9.08%

ISCAX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 10.88%
• 1Y: 20.48%
• 3Y*: 16.61%
• 5Y*: 6.14%
• 10Y*: 10.24%

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

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSCOX Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund	6.74%	25.05%	4.08%	16.99%	-28.93%	17.66%	19.61%	29.07%	-14.13%	34.70%
ISCAX Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund	10.83%	34.01%	5.67%	12.61%	-23.62%	5.98%	31.26%	31.76%	-18.88%	34.73%

Correlation

The correlation between FSCOX and ISCAX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 3, 2005	0.89

The correlation between FSCOX and ISCAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FSCOX vs. ISCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSCOX

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

ISCAX

ISCAX Risk / Return Rank: 37
ISCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
ISCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ISCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
ISCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
ISCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund (FSCOX) and Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund (ISCAX). 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.

	FSCOX	ISCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.59	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	2.37	-0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.29	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	2.15	-0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.53	8.30	-3.78

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSCOX Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is lower than the ISCAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSCOX and ISCAX, 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

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSCOX drawdown since its inception was -72.65%, roughly equal to the maximum ISCAX drawdown of -71.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCOX and ISCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSCOX	ISCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.65%	-71.55%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.02%	-11.91%	+0.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.60%	-13.90%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.75%	-40.33%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.75%	-40.33%	-0.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.90%	-1.78%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.47%	-22.19%	+3.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	2.79%	+0.55%

Volatility

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund (FSCOX) is 4.69%, while Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund (ISCAX) has a volatility of 5.64%. This indicates that FSCOX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSCOX	ISCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.69%	5.64%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.43%	13.09%	-1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.94%	16.12%	-2.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.80%	17.60%	-0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.11%	17.45%	-1.34%

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSCOX has a 1.23% expense ratio, which is lower than ISCAX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSCOX vs. ISCAX - Dividend Comparison

FSCOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.29%, more than ISCAX's 6.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSCOX Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund	11.29%	12.05%	6.41%	3.73%	6.40%	8.83%	0.00%	1.09%	2.99%	1.31%	1.43%	0.47%
ISCAX Federated Hermes International Small-Mid Company Fund	6.72%	7.45%	0.00%	0.84%	0.79%	7.79%	5.80%	4.89%	15.53%	6.51%	0.92%	12.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSCOX and ISCAX in my portfolio?

FSCOX and ISCAX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSCOX or ISCAX?

ISCAX has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to FSCOX (4.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSCOX dropped -72.65% vs ISCAX's -71.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.09), 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.