FSMAX vs. VFORX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FSMAX (Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund) and VFORX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund) are both mutual funds - FSMAX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Completion Total Stock Market Index, while VFORX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, FSMAX returned 12.22%/yr vs 10.63%/yr for VFORX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSMAX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VFORX.

Performance

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund (VFORX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMAX achieves a 13.83% return, which is significantly higher than VFORX's 8.11% return. Over the past 10 years, FSMAX has outperformed VFORX with an annualized return of 12.22%, while VFORX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.63% annualized return.

FSMAX

• 1D: 2.96%
• 1M: 4.31%
• YTD: 13.83%
• 6M: 11.67%
• 1Y: 27.30%
• 3Y*: 18.98%
• 5Y*: 6.06%
• 10Y*: 12.22%

VFORX

• 1D: 1.91%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 8.11%
• 6M: 8.81%
• 1Y: 19.96%
• 3Y*: 16.17%
• 5Y*: 8.20%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

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

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSMAX Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund	13.83%	11.40%	16.99%	25.36%	-26.44%	12.41%	32.28%	28.01%	-9.44%	18.04%
VFORX Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund	8.11%	18.77%	12.90%	18.56%	-17.00%	14.55%	15.48%	23.86%	-7.32%	18.45%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMAX and VFORX is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2011	0.89

The correlation between FSMAX and VFORX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSMAX vs. VFORX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSMAX

FSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 51
FSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
FSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VFORX

VFORX Risk / Return Rank: 73
VFORX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VFORX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VFORX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VFORX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VFORX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund (VFORX). 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.

	FSMAX	VFORX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	2.00	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.78	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.37	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	2.67	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.29	11.49	-2.20

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSMAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the VFORX Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSMAX and VFORX, 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

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMAX drawdown since its inception was -50.55%, roughly equal to the maximum VFORX drawdown of -51.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMAX and VFORX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMAX	VFORX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.55%	-51.63%	+1.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.26%	-7.70%	-2.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.82%	-12.12%	-14.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.31%	-24.32%	-11.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.55%	-29.35%	-21.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-1.82%	+0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.15%	-6.77%	-5.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	1.78%	+1.14%

Volatility

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX) has a higher volatility of 6.48% compared to Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund (VFORX) at 4.19%. This indicates that FSMAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFORX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSMAX	VFORX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.48%	4.19%	+2.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.35%	8.47%	+4.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.80%	10.27%	+7.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.42%	12.51%	+9.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.26%	13.70%	+16.56%

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMAX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VFORX's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FSMAX vs. VFORX - Dividend Comparison

FSMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, less than VFORX's 2.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSMAX Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund	0.50%	0.57%	0.48%	1.17%	1.90%	7.49%	2.14%	4.30%	6.09%	5.44%	4.85%	6.34%
VFORX Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund	2.56%	2.77%	2.86%	2.38%	2.60%	20.68%	2.06%	2.28%	2.58%	0.04%	2.40%	2.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMAX and VFORX in my portfolio?

FSMAX and VFORX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSMAX or VFORX?

FSMAX has higher volatility (6.48%) compared to VFORX (4.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSMAX dropped -50.55% vs VFORX's -51.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFORX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.53), 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.