FSOSX vs. IEFA
FSOSX (Fidelity Series Overseas Fund) and IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, FSOSX returned 7.49%/yr vs 8.87%/yr for IEFA. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSOSX charges 0.01%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IEFA.
Performance
FSOSX vs. IEFA - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FSOSX achieves a 9.11% return, which is significantly lower than IEFA's 10.65% return.
FSOSX
- 1D
- 1.69%
- 1M
- 4.69%
- YTD
- 9.11%
- 6M
- 9.11%
- 1Y
- 14.75%
- 3Y*
- 13.42%
- 5Y*
- 7.49%
- 10Y*
- —
IEFA
- 1D
- 0.10%
- 1M
- 1.81%
- YTD
- 10.65%
- 6M
- 11.01%
- 1Y
- 25.52%
- 3Y*
- 17.62%
- 5Y*
- 8.87%
- 10Y*
- 10.18%
FSOSX vs. IEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSOSX Fidelity Series Overseas Fund | 9.11% | 21.29% | 5.87% | 21.49% | -23.25% | 19.59% | 16.36% | 7.78% |
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | 10.65% | 32.08% | 3.26% | 17.95% | -15.24% | 11.63% | 8.18% | 8.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between FSOSX and IEFA is 0.94, 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 | 0.94 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.93 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.94 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2019 | 0.94 |
The correlation between FSOSX and IEFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FSOSX vs. IEFA — Risk / Return Rank
FSOSX
IEFA
FSOSX vs. IEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Series Overseas Fund (FSOSX) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). 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.
| FSOSX | IEFA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.87 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.14 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.15 | 1.30 | -0.15 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.13 | 2.23 | -1.10 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.00 | 8.48 | -4.48 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FSOSX vs. IEFA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FSOSX drawdown since its inception was -35.36%, roughly equal to the maximum IEFA drawdown of -34.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSOSX and IEFA.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FSOSX | IEFA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -35.36% | -34.78% | -0.58% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.39% | -11.50% | -0.89% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.07% | -13.76% | -0.31% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -35.36% | -30.41% | -4.95% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -34.78% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.74% | -6.67% | -1.07% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.49% | 3.02% | +0.47% |
Volatility
FSOSX vs. IEFA - Volatility Comparison
Fidelity Series Overseas Fund (FSOSX) has a higher volatility of 6.52% compared to iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) at 4.85%. This indicates that FSOSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FSOSX | IEFA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.52% | 4.85% | +1.67% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.35% | 13.07% | +2.28% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.61% | 15.44% | +2.17% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.85% | 16.59% | +1.26% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.11% | 17.27% | +1.84% |
FSOSX vs. IEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison
FSOSX has a 0.01% expense ratio, which is lower than IEFA's 0.07% 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
FSOSX vs. IEFA - Dividend Comparison
FSOSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.39%, more than IEFA's 3.38% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSOSX Fidelity Series Overseas Fund | 8.39% | 9.15% | 2.25% | 1.63% | 1.80% | 2.92% | 1.12% | 0.37% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | 3.38% | 3.55% | 3.47% | 3.20% | 2.70% | 3.32% | 1.90% | 3.18% | 3.46% | 2.57% | 2.96% | 2.63% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.94, FSOSX and IEFA 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.
FSOSX has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to IEFA (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSOSX dropped -35.36% vs IEFA's -34.78%.
IEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 0.80), 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.
Find the right allocation for FSOSX and IEFA
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer