FSELX vs. FSDAX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FSELX (Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio) and FSDAX (Fidelity Select Defense & Aerospace Portfolio) are both mutual funds - FSELX is a Semiconductors fund managed by Fidelity, while FSDAX is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, FSELX returned 36.92%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for FSDAX. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSELX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FSDAX.

Performance

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX) and Fidelity Select Defense & Aerospace Portfolio (FSDAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSELX achieves a 62.20% return, which is significantly higher than FSDAX's 12.23% return. Over the past 10 years, FSELX has outperformed FSDAX with an annualized return of 36.92%, while FSDAX has yielded a comparatively lower 15.76% annualized return.

FSELX

• 1D: -1.69%
• 1M: -7.86%
• 6M: 50.12%
• YTD: 62.20%
• 1Y: 101.84%
• 3Y*: 56.28%
• 5Y*: 42.87%
• 10Y*: 36.92%

FSDAX

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: -0.52%
• 6M: 0.92%
• YTD: 12.23%
• 1Y: 22.48%
• 3Y*: 29.16%
• 5Y*: 18.88%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSELX Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio	62.20%	52.17%	49.68%	78.49%	-35.27%	59.16%	44.33%	64.50%	-12.01%	34.51%
FSDAX Fidelity Select Defense & Aerospace Portfolio	12.23%	50.03%	15.83%	16.29%	6.83%	4.91%	-7.87%	33.75%	-6.83%	34.15%

Correlation

The correlation between FSELX and FSDAX is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 29, 1985	0.57

The correlation between FSELX and FSDAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (3 years) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FSELX vs. FSDAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSELX

FSELX Risk / Return Rank: 89
FSELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FSELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FSELX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FSELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FSELX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

FSDAX

FSDAX Risk / Return Rank: 24
FSDAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
FSDAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FSDAX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FSDAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
FSDAX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX) and Fidelity Select Defense & Aerospace Portfolio (FSDAX). 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.

	FSELX	FSDAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	1.04	+1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	1.60	+1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.19	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.53	1.43	+5.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.74	4.03	+16.71

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSELX Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is higher than the FSDAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSELX and FSDAX, 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

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSELX drawdown since its inception was -82.54%, which is greater than FSDAX's maximum drawdown of -60.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSELX and FSDAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSELX	FSDAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.54%	-60.59%	-21.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.52%	-16.13%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.31%	-16.13%	-20.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.37%	-21.90%	-24.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.37%	-47.08%	+0.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.24%	-5.52%	-8.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.64%	-10.43%	-18.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.88%	5.71%	-0.83%

Volatility

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX) has a higher volatility of 18.43% compared to Fidelity Select Defense & Aerospace Portfolio (FSDAX) at 5.53%. This indicates that FSELX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSDAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSELX	FSDAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.43%	5.53%	+12.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.45%	18.47%	+13.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.92%	22.23%	+16.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.11%	20.65%	+19.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.64%	22.45%	+13.19%

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSELX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than FSDAX's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSELX vs. FSDAX - Dividend Comparison

FSELX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.10%, more than FSDAX's 2.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSDAX Fidelity Select Defense & Aerospace Portfolio	2.03%	4.48%	7.68%	6.47%	8.87%	8.38%	2.11%	2.62%	11.45%	3.57%	4.87%	6.30%
FSELX Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio	10.10%	11.11%	7.97%	7.20%	6.69%	6.99%	8.13%	3.36%	26.80%	14.44%	3.82%	15.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSELX and FSDAX in my portfolio?

FSELX and FSDAX have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSELX or FSDAX?

FSELX has higher volatility (18.43%) compared to FSDAX (5.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSELX dropped -82.54% vs FSDAX's -60.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 1.04), 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.