FSPSX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FSPSX (Fidelity International Index Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - FSPSX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FSPSX returned 10.05%/yr vs 18.30%/yr for VUG. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSPSX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FSPSX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 higher than VUG's 7.94% return. Over the past 10 years, FSPSX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 10.05%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.30% 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%

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

FSPSX vs. VUG - 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between FSPSX and VUG is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2011	0.69

The correlation between FSPSX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSPSX vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	1.59	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	2.16	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.28	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	1.60	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	5.50	+1.29

FSPSX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSPSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSPSX and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSPSX drawdown since its inception was -33.69%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSPSX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSPSX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.69%	-50.68%	+16.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-16.53%	+5.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-22.85%	+9.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.41%	-35.61%	+6.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.69%	-35.61%	+1.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-2.90%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.54%	-7.09%	+0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	4.79%	-1.74%

Volatility

FSPSX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) is 5.21%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that FSPSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSPSX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	6.32%	-1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.71%	13.28%	-0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.37%	16.65%	-1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	22.34%	-6.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.57%	21.51%	-4.94%

FSPSX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSPSX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG'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. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FSPSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than VUG's 0.38% 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSPSX and VUG in my portfolio?

FSPSX and VUG have a correlation of 0.63, 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 VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to FSPSX (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSPSX dropped -33.69% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 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.