FSCTX vs. SWSSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FSCTX (Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M) and SWSSX (Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FSCTX returned 9.26%/yr vs 11.20%/yr for SWSSX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSCTX charges 1.46%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWSSX.

Performance

FSCTX vs. SWSSX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FSCTX having a 18.28% return and SWSSX slightly higher at 18.71%. Over the past 10 years, FSCTX has underperformed SWSSX with an annualized return of 9.26%, while SWSSX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.20% annualized return.

FSCTX

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 2.97%
• YTD: 18.28%
• 6M: 16.43%
• 1Y: 37.26%
• 3Y*: 12.67%
• 5Y*: 5.39%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

SWSSX

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 5.00%
• YTD: 18.71%
• 6M: 17.43%
• 1Y: 41.24%
• 3Y*: 18.69%
• 5Y*: 6.65%
• 10Y*: 11.20%

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

FSCTX vs. SWSSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSCTX Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M	18.28%	11.57%	-4.53%	18.02%	-20.91%	30.90%	16.86%	32.04%	-16.52%	13.51%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	18.71%	12.88%	11.57%	17.07%	-20.43%	14.77%	20.12%	25.63%	-11.19%	14.76%

Correlation

The correlation between FSCTX and SWSSX 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	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 1998	0.95

The correlation between FSCTX and SWSSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSCTX vs. SWSSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSCTX

FSCTX Risk / Return Rank: 67
FSCTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
FSCTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FSCTX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
FSCTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FSCTX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

SWSSX

SWSSX Risk / Return Rank: 64
SWSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SWSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SWSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SWSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
SWSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. SWSSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M (FSCTX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX). 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.

	FSCTX	SWSSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.28	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.21	3.13	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.37	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.27	3.97	+0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.01	14.11	+1.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSCTX vs. SWSSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSCTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the SWSSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSCTX and SWSSX, 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

	FSCTX	SWSSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	2.28	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.30	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42	0.47	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.36	+0.09

Drawdowns

FSCTX vs. SWSSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSCTX drawdown since its inception was -50.42%, smaller than the maximum SWSSX drawdown of -60.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCTX and SWSSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSCTX	SWSSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.42%	-60.34%	+9.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.34%	-11.00%	+1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.64%	-27.50%	-9.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.64%	-31.93%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.49%	-41.81%	+1.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-0.13%	-0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.90%	-10.73%	-1.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.48%	3.09%	-0.61%

Volatility

FSCTX vs. SWSSX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M (FSCTX) and Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares (SWSSX) have volatilities of 5.57% and 5.61%, 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	SWSSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	5.61%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.03%	13.60%	-0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.65%	19.15%	-1.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.34%	22.59%	-0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.09%	24.09%	-2.00%

FSCTX vs. SWSSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSCTX has a 1.46% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSSX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSCTX vs. SWSSX - Dividend Comparison

FSCTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, more than SWSSX's 1.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSCTX Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund Class M	1.89%	2.24%	0.00%	1.55%	6.07%	12.11%	2.99%	4.38%	16.01%	15.16%	2.30%	8.94%
SWSSX Schwab Small-Cap Index Fund-Select Shares	1.08%	1.29%	1.66%	1.49%	1.32%	8.88%	2.55%	6.12%	10.45%	5.22%	4.10%	6.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSCTX and SWSSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FSCTX and SWSSX 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 SWSSX?

SWSSX has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to FSCTX (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSCTX dropped -50.42% vs SWSSX's -60.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWSSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.26), 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.