FSPSX vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FSPSX (Fidelity International Index Fund) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - FSPSX tracks the MSCI EAFE Index while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FSPSX returned 10.05%/yr vs 10.67%/yr for VEA. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FSPSX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

FSPSX vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) 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, FSPSX achieves a 9.52% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.08% return. Over the past 10 years, FSPSX has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 10.05%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 10.67% annualized return.

FSPSX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 3.21%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 6M: 10.37%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 16.55%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

VEA

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: 16.08%
• 6M: 17.35%
• 1Y: 32.96%
• 3Y*: 19.14%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 10Y*: 10.67%

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

FSPSX vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSPSX Fidelity International Index Fund	9.52%	31.98%	3.70%	18.31%	-14.23%	11.45%	8.16%	22.03%	-13.55%	25.37%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.08%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between FSPSX and VEA is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2011	0.97

The correlation between FSPSX and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSPSX vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSPSX

FSPSX Risk / Return Rank: 30
FSPSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
FSPSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FSPSX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FSPSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
FSPSX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VEA 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.

FSPSX vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) 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.

	FSPSX	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	2.00	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	2.74	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.36	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	2.85	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	10.96	-4.17

FSPSX vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSPSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSPSX 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

FSPSX vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSPSX drawdown since its inception was -33.69%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSPSX and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSPSX	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.69%	-60.68%	+26.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-11.63%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-13.45%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.41%	-29.71%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.69%	-35.73%	+2.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	0.00%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.54%	-13.27%	+6.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	3.01%	+0.04%

Volatility

FSPSX vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) is 5.21%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.92%. This indicates that FSPSX 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

	FSPSX	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	6.92%	-1.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.71%	14.42%	-1.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.37%	16.58%	-1.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	16.73%	-0.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.57%	17.41%	-0.84%

FSPSX vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSPSX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FSPSX vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

FSPSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than VEA's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSPSX Fidelity International Index Fund	2.88%	3.15%	3.27%	2.79%	2.66%	3.07%	1.84%	3.18%	2.79%	2.50%	3.08%	2.79%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.59%	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 FSPSX and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FSPSX and VEA 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, FSPSX or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.92%) compared to FSPSX (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSPSX dropped -33.69% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.35), 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.