FSCSX vs. VTCAX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FSCSX (Fidelity Select Software & IT Services Portfolio) and VTCAX (Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Technology Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FSCSX returned 16.11%/yr vs 8.29%/yr for VTCAX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSCSX charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VTCAX.

Performance

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Select Software & IT Services Portfolio (FSCSX) and Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSCSX achieves a -11.28% return, which is significantly lower than VTCAX's -0.60% return. Over the past 10 years, FSCSX has outperformed VTCAX with an annualized return of 16.11%, while VTCAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.29% annualized return.

FSCSX

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: 3.08%
• 6M: -10.28%
• YTD: -11.28%
• 1Y: -9.76%
• 3Y*: 9.68%
• 5Y*: 4.63%
• 10Y*: 16.11%

VTCAX

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: 2.45%
• 6M: -1.43%
• YTD: -0.60%
• 1Y: 14.54%
• 3Y*: 22.41%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 8.29%

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

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSCSX Fidelity Select Software & IT Services Portfolio	-11.28%	6.96%	19.66%	51.72%	-29.13%	18.13%	45.55%	38.99%	4.08%	38.60%
VTCAX Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund Admiral Shares	-0.60%	26.28%	33.10%	44.73%	-38.78%	14.09%	28.95%	28.03%	-16.51%	-5.57%

Correlation

The correlation between FSCSX and VTCAX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between FSCSX and VTCAX has dropped to 0.48 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FSCSX vs. VTCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSCSX

FSCSX Risk / Return Rank: 2
FSCSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
FSCSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
FSCSX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
FSCSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
FSCSX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VTCAX

VTCAX Risk / Return Rank: 17
VTCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
VTCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VTCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VTCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VTCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Select Software & IT Services Portfolio (FSCSX) and Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTCAX). 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.

	FSCSX	VTCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.39	0.87	-1.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.37	1.34	-1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.16	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.33	1.03	-1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.70	3.38	-4.07

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSCSX Sharpe Ratio is -0.39, which is lower than the VTCAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSCSX and VTCAX, 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

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSCSX drawdown since its inception was -64.66%, which is greater than VTCAX's maximum drawdown of -57.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCSX and VTCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSCSX	VTCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.66%	-57.11%	-7.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.24%	-13.56%	-20.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.24%	-21.19%	-13.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.06%	-46.58%	+9.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.06%	-46.58%	+9.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.35%	-3.97%	-12.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.23%	-11.86%	-1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.21%	4.12%	+12.09%

Volatility

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Select Software & IT Services Portfolio (FSCSX) has a higher volatility of 7.99% compared to Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTCAX) at 6.29%. This indicates that FSCSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSCSX	VTCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.99%	6.29%	+1.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.06%	12.59%	+13.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.11%	16.09%	+13.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.70%	21.39%	+5.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.68%	21.04%	+3.64%

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSCSX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than VTCAX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSCSX vs. VTCAX - Dividend Comparison

FSCSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 22.64%, more than VTCAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSCSX Fidelity Select Software & IT Services Portfolio	22.64%	15.40%	19.17%	7.72%	9.06%	6.54%	5.10%	12.70%	6.20%	7.15%	3.98%	5.22%
VTCAX Vanguard Communication Services Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	0.95%	1.06%	1.04%	0.88%	1.20%	0.73%	0.89%	2.77%	3.84%	2.68%	3.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSCSX and VTCAX in my portfolio?

FSCSX and VTCAX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSCSX or VTCAX?

FSCSX has higher volatility (7.99%) compared to VTCAX (6.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSCSX dropped -64.66% vs VTCAX's -57.11%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.87 vs -0.39), 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.