FSMD vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - FSMD tracks the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index while VBK tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSMD returned 9.79%/yr vs 6.14%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSMD charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

FSMD vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMD achieves a 14.94% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 18.67% return.

FSMD

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 3.02%
• YTD: 14.94%
• 6M: 15.74%
• 1Y: 26.74%
• 3Y*: 17.66%
• 5Y*: 9.79%
• 10Y*: —

VBK

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 6.15%
• YTD: 18.67%
• 6M: 19.38%
• 1Y: 36.00%
• 3Y*: 18.15%
• 5Y*: 6.14%
• 10Y*: 11.86%

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

FSMD vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	14.94%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	8.94%	8.81%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	18.67%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	11.49%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMD and VBK 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	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2019	0.89

The correlation between FSMD and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

FSMD vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSMD	VBK
Industrials	20.7%	24.7%
Technology	18.2%	25.9%
Financial Services	15.4%	5.6%
Healthcare	11.6%	15.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	9.6%
Real Estate	6.2%	3.9%
Energy	4.6%	4.8%
Basic Materials	3.9%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	2.4%
Communication Services	2.8%	3.5%
Utilities	2.2%	1.2%

Return for Risk

FSMD vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 55
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 49
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 57
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

FSMD vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.

	FSMD	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.89	-0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.58	-0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.31	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	3.19	-0.02
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.42	12.19	-0.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSMD vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSMD and VBK, 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

	FSMD	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.76	1.89	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.26	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.43	+0.12

Drawdowns

FSMD vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMD drawdown since its inception was -40.67%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMD and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMD	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.67%	-58.68%	+18.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.44%	-11.44%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.16%	-27.54%	+5.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.16%	-38.39%	+16.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.01%	-10.16%	+4.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	2.99%	-0.65%

Volatility

FSMD vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) is 4.50%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 5.20%. This indicates that FSMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSMD	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.50%	5.20%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.39%	14.62%	-3.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.26%	19.17%	-3.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	23.48%	-5.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	22.86%	-1.43%

FSMD vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMD has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSMD vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

FSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, more than VBK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.21%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMD and VBK in my portfolio?

FSMD and VBK 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, FSMD or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to FSMD (4.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSMD dropped -40.67% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, FSMD or VBK?

On 5-year performance, FSMD leads with 9.79% vs 6.14% for VBK. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, FSMD has been the lower-risk option at 4.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSMD or VBK?

Over the 5-year period, FSMD has performed better with a 9.79% return vs 6.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSMD or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for FSMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSMD or VBK?

FSMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.44% for VBK.

What is the main difference between FSMD and VBK?

FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for FSMD and 0.07% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.76), 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.