FSMD vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSMD returned 10.00%/yr vs 9.51%/yr for VEA. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSMD charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

FSMD vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMD achieves a 17.58% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 14.73% return.

FSMD

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 6.31%
• YTD: 17.58%
• 6M: 15.58%
• 1Y: 29.65%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 31.41%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

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

FSMD vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	17.58%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	8.94%	8.81%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.73%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	11.04%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMD and VEA is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2019	0.75

The correlation between FSMD and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

FSMD vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSMD	VEA
Technology	20.5%	13.8%
Industrials	20.1%	19.2%
Financial Services	14.8%	23.3%
Healthcare	11.7%	8.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	7.5%
Real Estate	6.2%	2.7%
Energy	4.1%	5.4%
Basic Materials	4.0%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	5.6%
Communication Services	2.9%	3.4%
Utilities	2.1%	3.3%

Return for Risk

FSMD vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 66
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 62
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.81	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	2.50	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.30	2.58	+0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.89	9.92	+1.97

FSMD vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSMD and VEA, 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. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMD drawdown since its inception was -40.67%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMD and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMD	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.67%	-60.68%	+20.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.44%	-11.63%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.16%	-13.45%	-8.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.16%	-29.71%	+7.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.06%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.98%	-13.28%	+7.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	3.02%	-0.68%

Volatility

FSMD vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) is 5.14%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.84%. This indicates that FSMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSMD	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.14%	6.84%	-1.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.85%	14.38%	-2.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.69%	16.58%	-0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.55%	16.72%	+1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	17.40%	+4.03%

FSMD vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMD has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSMD vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

FSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than VEA's 2.62% 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%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMD and VEA in my portfolio?

FSMD and VEA have a correlation of 0.70, 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 VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.84%) compared to FSMD (5.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSMD dropped -40.67% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, FSMD or VEA?

On 5-year performance, FSMD leads with 10.00% vs 9.51% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, FSMD has been the lower-risk option at 5.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSMD or VEA?

Over the 5-year period, FSMD has performed better with a 10.00% return vs 9.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSMD or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for FSMD.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 1.18% for FSMD.

What is the main difference between FSMD and VEA?

FSMD is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for FSMD and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.78), 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.