FSTA vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FSTA (Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSTA is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FSTA returned 8.01%/yr vs 10.99%/yr for VBR. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSTA charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

FSTA vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSTA achieves a 10.62% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 14.60% return. Over the past 10 years, FSTA has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 8.01%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 10.99% annualized return.

FSTA

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 10.62%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 8.41%
• 3Y*: 8.97%
• 5Y*: 7.07%
• 10Y*: 8.01%

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 6.17%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 29.93%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

FSTA vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	10.62%	1.82%	13.31%	2.29%	-1.72%	17.44%	10.96%	26.84%	-8.49%	12.71%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.60%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between FSTA and VBR is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2013	0.52

Over the past year, the correlation between FSTA and VBR has dropped to 0.27 - well below their long-term average of 0.52, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FSTA vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSTA	VBR
Consumer Defensive	97.6%	4.0%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	12.4%
Industrials	0.3%	18.1%
Basic Materials	0.3%	6.3%
Healthcare	0.0%	7.9%
Communication Services	-	2.5%
Energy	-	5.2%
Financial Services	-	17.6%
Real Estate	-	10.1%
Technology	-	10.6%
Utilities	-	4.8%

Return for Risk

FSTA vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSTA

FSTA Risk / Return Rank: 19
FSTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
FSTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
FSTA Omega Ratio Rank: 18
FSTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
FSTA Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	FSTA	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	1.83	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.91	2.67	-1.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.31	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.78	3.17	-2.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.56	11.22	-9.66

FSTA vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSTA Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is lower than the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSTA and VBR, 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

FSTA vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSTA drawdown since its inception was -25.13%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSTA and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSTA	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.13%	-61.98%	+36.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.29%	-8.85%	-0.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.76%	-24.19%	+12.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.58%	-24.19%	+7.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.13%	-45.28%	+20.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.38%	0.00%	-4.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.56%	-8.26%	+4.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.62%	2.50%	+2.12%

Volatility

FSTA vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) have volatilities of 4.62% and 4.43%, 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	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	4.43%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.03%	10.65%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.58%	15.36%	-2.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.15%	19.79%	-6.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.57%	21.74%	-7.17%

FSTA vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSTA has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% 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

FSTA vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

FSTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.15%, more than VBR's 1.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	2.15%	2.34%	2.25%	2.66%	2.26%	2.15%	2.47%	2.46%	3.01%	2.42%	2.53%	2.86%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.71%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSTA and VBR in my portfolio?

FSTA and VBR have a correlation of 0.27, 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 VBR?

FSTA has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to VBR (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSTA dropped -25.13% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, FSTA or VBR?

On 10-year performance, VBR leads with 10.99% vs 8.01% for FSTA. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 4.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSTA or VBR?

Over the 10-year period, VBR has performed better with a 10.99% return vs 8.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSTA or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for FSTA.

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

FSTA has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 1.71% for VBR.

What is the main difference between FSTA and VBR?

FSTA is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. FSTA tracks MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for FSTA and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.57), 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.