FSCTX vs. AZBIX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FSCTX (Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M) and AZBIX (Virtus Small-Cap Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FSCTX returned 9.46%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for AZBIX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSCTX charges 1.46%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for AZBIX.

Performance

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M (FSCTX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSCTX achieves a 21.34% return, which is significantly higher than AZBIX's 20.22% return. Over the past 10 years, FSCTX has underperformed AZBIX with an annualized return of 9.46%, while AZBIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.68% annualized return.

FSCTX

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 0.03%
• 6M: 13.09%
• YTD: 21.34%
• 1Y: 32.03%
• 3Y*: 11.21%
• 5Y*: 6.43%
• 10Y*: 9.46%

AZBIX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 1.30%
• 6M: 13.98%
• YTD: 20.22%
• 1Y: 32.54%
• 3Y*: 17.42%
• 5Y*: 9.47%
• 10Y*: 11.68%

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

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSCTX Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M	21.34%	11.57%	-4.53%	18.02%	-20.91%	30.90%	16.86%	32.04%	-16.52%	13.51%
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	20.22%	8.49%	19.06%	14.09%	-18.04%	18.92%	16.98%	24.13%	-9.25%	21.27%

Correlation

The correlation between FSCTX and AZBIX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2013	0.94

The correlation between FSCTX and AZBIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSCTX vs. AZBIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSCTX

FSCTX Risk / Return Rank: 72
FSCTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FSCTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FSCTX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FSCTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FSCTX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

AZBIX

AZBIX Risk / Return Rank: 77
AZBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
AZBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
AZBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
AZBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
AZBIX 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.

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M (FSCTX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX). 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.

	FSCTX	AZBIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.94	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.76	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.52	3.59	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.80	12.40	+0.40

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSCTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the AZBIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSCTX and AZBIX, 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

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSCTX drawdown since its inception was -50.42%, which is greater than AZBIX's maximum drawdown of -40.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCTX and AZBIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSCTX	AZBIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.42%	-40.80%	-9.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.34%	-9.33%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.64%	-29.01%	-7.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.64%	-29.85%	-6.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.49%	-40.80%	+0.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.92%	-2.59%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.86%	-7.65%	-4.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.56%	2.70%	-0.14%

Volatility

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M (FSCTX) and Virtus Small-Cap Fund (AZBIX) have volatilities of 4.54% and 4.33%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSCTX	AZBIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.54%	4.33%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.97%	13.04%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.32%	17.35%	+0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.43%	20.54%	+1.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.08%	21.33%	+0.75%

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSCTX has a 1.46% expense ratio, which is higher than AZBIX's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSCTX vs. AZBIX - Dividend Comparison

FSCTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than AZBIX's 4.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AZBIX Virtus Small-Cap Fund	4.08%	4.90%	10.82%	2.31%	4.78%	13.82%	0.45%	0.38%	9.62%	13.80%	0.03%	3.59%
FSCTX Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M	1.84%	2.24%	0.00%	1.55%	6.07%	12.11%	2.99%	4.38%	16.01%	15.16%	2.30%	8.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSCTX and AZBIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FSCTX and AZBIX 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, FSCTX or AZBIX?

FSCTX has higher volatility (4.54%) compared to AZBIX (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSCTX dropped -50.42% vs AZBIX's -40.80%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AZBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.80), 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.