FSTA vs. FHLC

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FSTA (Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF) and FHLC (Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSTA is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index, while FHLC is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Health Care Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FSTA returned 7.51%/yr vs 9.05%/yr for FHLC. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

FSTA vs. FHLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSTA achieves a 5.16% return, which is significantly higher than FHLC's -4.68% return. Over the past 10 years, FSTA has underperformed FHLC with an annualized return of 7.51%, while FHLC has yielded a comparatively higher 9.05% annualized return.

FSTA

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -4.65%
• YTD: 5.16%
• 6M: 3.92%
• 1Y: 0.25%
• 3Y*: 7.13%
• 5Y*: 5.90%
• 10Y*: 7.51%

FHLC

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: -4.68%
• 6M: -4.34%
• 1Y: 13.84%
• 3Y*: 5.85%
• 5Y*: 4.42%
• 10Y*: 9.05%

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

FSTA vs. FHLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	5.16%	1.82%	13.31%	2.29%	-1.72%	17.44%	10.96%	26.84%	-8.49%	12.71%
FHLC Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF	-4.68%	15.42%	2.48%	2.58%	-5.55%	20.39%	18.13%	21.94%	4.71%	23.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FSTA and FHLC is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2013	0.56

Over the past year, the correlation between FSTA and FHLC has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.56, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FSTA vs. FHLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSTA	FHLC
Consumer Defensive	97.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.8%	-
Industrials	0.3%	0.0%
Basic Materials	0.3%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	99.6%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FSTA vs. FHLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSTA

FSTA Risk / Return Rank: 9
FSTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FSTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FSTA Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FSTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FSTA Martin Ratio Rank: 9

FHLC

FHLC Risk / Return Rank: 27
FHLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
FHLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
FHLC Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FHLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
FHLC Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

FSTA vs. FHLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC). 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.

	FSTA	FHLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.02	0.97	-0.95
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.12	1.52	-1.41
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.17	-0.16
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.04	1.35	-1.31
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.09	3.44	-3.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSTA vs. FHLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSTA Sharpe Ratio is 0.02, which is lower than the FHLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSTA and FHLC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FSTA	FHLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02	0.97	-0.95
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	0.30	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.54	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.60	0.00

Drawdowns

FSTA vs. FHLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSTA drawdown since its inception was -25.13%, smaller than the maximum FHLC drawdown of -28.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSTA and FHLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSTA	FHLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.13%	-28.76%	+3.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.29%	-10.38%	+1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.76%	-16.87%	+5.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.58%	-17.73%	+1.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.13%	-28.76%	+3.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.10%	-7.71%	-1.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.55%	-5.19%	+1.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.52%	4.09%	+0.43%

Volatility

FSTA vs. FHLC - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC) have volatilities of 4.05% and 3.97%, 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

	FSTA	FHLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	3.97%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.75%	10.17%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.37%	14.31%	-1.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.11%	14.96%	-1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.56%	16.82%	-2.26%

FSTA vs. FHLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FSTA and FHLC have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FSTA vs. FHLC - Dividend Comparison

FSTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, more than FHLC's 1.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FHLC Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF	1.44%	1.40%	1.51%	1.40%	1.30%	1.16%	1.45%	1.18%	1.38%	1.38%	1.40%	2.07%
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	2.26%	2.34%	2.25%	2.66%	2.26%	2.15%	2.47%	2.46%	3.01%	2.42%	2.53%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSTA and FHLC in my portfolio?

FSTA and FHLC have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSTA or FHLC?

FSTA has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to FHLC (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSTA dropped -25.13% vs FHLC's -28.76%.

Which ETF is better, FSTA or FHLC?

On 10-year performance, FHLC leads with 9.05% vs 7.51% for FSTA. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSTA or FHLC?

Over the 10-year period, FHLC has performed better with a 9.05% return vs 7.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSTA or FHLC?

FSTA and FHLC have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSTA or FHLC?

FSTA has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 1.44% for FHLC.

What is the main difference between FSTA and FHLC?

FSTA is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while FHLC is Health & Biotech Equities. FSTA tracks MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index, while FHLC tracks MSCI USA IMI Health Care Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FHLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs 0.02), 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.