FSPSX vs. VSCIX

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FSPSX (Fidelity International Index Fund) and VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - FSPSX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index, while VSCIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, FSPSX returned 10.05%/yr vs 11.60%/yr for VSCIX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

FSPSX vs. VSCIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). 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 VSCIX's 15.38% return. Over the past 10 years, FSPSX has underperformed VSCIX with an annualized return of 10.05%, while VSCIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.60% 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%

VSCIX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 5.22%
• YTD: 15.38%
• 6M: 14.33%
• 1Y: 30.90%
• 3Y*: 16.15%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 11.60%

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

FSPSX vs. VSCIX - 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%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.38%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%

Correlation

The correlation between FSPSX and VSCIX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2011	0.72

The correlation between FSPSX and VSCIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSPSX vs. VSCIX — 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

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. VSCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). 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	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	1.73	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	2.47	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.30	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	3.22	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	11.87	-5.08

FSPSX vs. VSCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSPSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is comparable to the VSCIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSPSX and VSCIX, 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. VSCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSPSX drawdown since its inception was -33.69%, smaller than the maximum VSCIX drawdown of -59.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSPSX and VSCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSPSX	VSCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.69%	-59.66%	+25.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-8.97%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-25.25%	+11.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.41%	-28.13%	-1.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.69%	-41.81%	+8.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	0.00%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.54%	-10.11%	+3.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	2.44%	+0.61%

Volatility

FSPSX vs. VSCIX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) have volatilities of 5.21% and 5.48%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSPSX	VSCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	5.48%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.71%	12.25%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.37%	16.69%	-1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	20.77%	-4.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.57%	21.59%	-5.02%

FSPSX vs. VSCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FSPSX and VSCIX have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FSPSX vs. VSCIX - Dividend Comparison

FSPSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than VSCIX's 1.19% 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%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.19%	1.34%	1.31%	1.55%	1.55%	1.25%	1.15%	1.40%	1.68%	1.36%	1.50%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSPSX and VSCIX in my portfolio?

FSPSX and VSCIX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSPSX or VSCIX?

VSCIX has higher volatility (5.48%) compared to FSPSX (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSPSX dropped -33.69% vs VSCIX's -59.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 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.