FSMD vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSMD returned 10.41%/yr vs 8.62%/yr for VBR. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FSMD charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

FSMD vs. VBR - 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 Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMD achieves a 18.15% return, which is significantly higher than VBR's 14.49% return.

FSMD

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 6.83%
• YTD: 18.15%
• 6M: 16.30%
• 1Y: 30.28%
• 3Y*: 17.72%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 6.08%
• YTD: 14.49%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 29.82%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 8.62%
• 10Y*: 10.95%

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

FSMD vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	18.15%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	8.94%	8.81%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.49%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	5.85%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMD and VBR is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2019	0.95

The correlation between FSMD and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

FSMD vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSMD	VBR
Technology	20.5%	10.6%
Industrials	20.1%	18.1%
Financial Services	14.8%	17.6%
Healthcare	11.7%	7.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	12.4%
Real Estate	6.2%	10.1%
Energy	4.1%	5.2%
Basic Materials	4.0%	6.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	4.0%
Communication Services	2.9%	2.5%
Utilities	2.1%	4.8%

Return for Risk

FSMD vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 69
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 69
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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. VBR - 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 Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	FSMD	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.96	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.86	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	3.38	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.98	11.97	+1.01

FSMD vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSMD and VBR, 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

FSMD vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMD drawdown since its inception was -40.67%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMD and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMD	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.67%	-61.98%	+21.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.44%	-8.85%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.16%	-24.19%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.16%	-24.19%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.09%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.98%	-8.26%	+2.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	2.50%	-0.16%

Volatility

FSMD vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) has a higher volatility of 5.15% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 4.43%. This indicates that FSMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSMD	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	4.43%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.81%	10.61%	+1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.64%	15.31%	+0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.55%	19.79%	-1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.42%	21.75%	-0.33%

FSMD vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMD has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSMD vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

FSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than VBR's 1.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.72%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMD and VBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FSMD and VBR 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, FSMD or VBR?

FSMD has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to VBR (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSMD dropped -40.67% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, FSMD or VBR?

On 5-year performance, FSMD leads with 10.41% vs 8.62% for VBR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 4.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSMD or VBR?

Over the 5-year period, FSMD has performed better with a 10.41% return vs 8.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSMD or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for FSMD.

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

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.72%, compared with 1.18% for FSMD.

What is the main difference between FSMD and VBR?

FSMD is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for FSMD and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.95), 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.