FSSEX vs. FXAIX

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

FSSEX (Fidelity SAI Sustainable International Equity Fund) and FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - FSSEX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity, while FXAIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. FSSEX is actively managed, while FXAIX is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FSSEX returned 16.51%/yr vs 20.47%/yr for FXAIX. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSSEX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for FXAIX.

Performance

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity SAI Sustainable International Equity Fund (FSSEX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSSEX achieves a 12.44% return, which is significantly higher than FXAIX's 9.97% return.

FSSEX

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 0.68%
• 6M: 11.42%
• YTD: 12.44%
• 1Y: 22.94%
• 3Y*: 16.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FXAIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -1.25%
• 6M: 9.73%
• YTD: 9.97%
• 1Y: 20.58%
• 3Y*: 20.47%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: 15.44%

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

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FSSEX Fidelity SAI Sustainable International Equity Fund	12.44%	26.56%	7.65%	13.37%	-8.26%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	9.97%	17.84%	25.01%	26.29%	-9.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FSSEX and FXAIX is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 25, 2022	0.77

The correlation between FSSEX and FXAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSSEX vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSSEX

FSSEX Risk / Return Rank: 33
FSSEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
FSSEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
FSSEX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
FSSEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
FSSEX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

FXAIX

FXAIX Risk / Return Rank: 60
FXAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FXAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FXAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
FXAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FXAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity SAI Sustainable International Equity Fund (FSSEX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). 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.

	FSSEX	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.73	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	2.38	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.32	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	2.44	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.49	10.73	-4.24

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSSEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the FXAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSSEX and FXAIX, 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

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSSEX drawdown since its inception was -21.07%, smaller than the maximum FXAIX drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSSEX and FXAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSSEX	FXAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.07%	-33.79%	+12.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.24%	-8.89%	-4.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.81%	-18.76%	+1.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.50%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.54%	-1.56%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.34%	-3.78%	-0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	2.02%	+1.52%

Volatility

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity SAI Sustainable International Equity Fund (FSSEX) has a higher volatility of 6.76% compared to Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) at 5.00%. This indicates that FSSEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSSEX	FXAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.76%	5.00%	+1.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.29%	9.95%	+5.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.08%	12.53%	+5.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.21%	17.02%	+0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.21%	18.05%	-0.84%

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSSEX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FXAIX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSSEX vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison

FSSEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%, more than FXAIX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSSEX Fidelity SAI Sustainable International Equity Fund	2.13%	2.40%	1.41%	0.72%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	1.04%	1.11%	1.25%	1.45%	1.69%	1.22%	1.60%	2.06%	2.72%	1.97%	2.52%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSSEX and FXAIX in my portfolio?

FSSEX and FXAIX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSSEX or FXAIX?

FSSEX has higher volatility (6.76%) compared to FXAIX (5.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSSEX dropped -21.07% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.27), 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.