FSTA vs. VT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FSTA (Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF) and VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSTA is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index, while VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FSTA returned 7.91%/yr vs 12.96%/yr for VT. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSTA charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VT.

Performance

FSTA vs. VT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSTA achieves a 8.86% return, which is significantly lower than VT's 10.06% return. Over the past 10 years, FSTA has underperformed VT with an annualized return of 7.91%, while VT has yielded a comparatively higher 12.96% annualized return.

FSTA

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: -0.47%
• YTD: 8.86%
• 6M: 8.88%
• 1Y: 5.28%
• 3Y*: 8.04%
• 5Y*: 7.17%
• 10Y*: 7.91%

VT

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: -0.44%
• YTD: 10.06%
• 6M: 9.32%
• 1Y: 25.71%
• 3Y*: 19.92%
• 5Y*: 10.51%
• 10Y*: 12.96%

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

FSTA vs. VT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	8.86%	1.82%	13.31%	2.29%	-1.72%	17.44%	10.96%	26.84%	-8.49%	12.71%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	10.06%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%

Correlation

The correlation between FSTA and VT is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
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	0.55

Over the past year, the correlation between FSTA and VT has dropped to 0.04 - well below their long-term average of 0.55, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FSTA vs. VT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSTA	VT
Consumer Defensive	97.6%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	9.3%
Industrials	0.3%	11.4%
Basic Materials	0.3%	4.1%
Healthcare	0.0%	7.9%
Communication Services	-	8.0%
Energy	-	3.8%
Financial Services	-	15.2%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Technology	-	31.1%
Utilities	-	2.4%

Return for Risk

FSTA vs. VT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSTA

FSTA Risk / Return Rank: 14
FSTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
FSTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
FSTA Omega Ratio Rank: 13
FSTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
FSTA Martin Ratio Rank: 14

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 59
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. VT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). 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	VT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.42	1.91	-1.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.69	2.62	-1.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.35	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	2.67	-2.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.12	11.57	-10.45

FSTA vs. VT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSTA Sharpe Ratio is 0.42, which is lower than the VT Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSTA and VT, 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. VT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSTA drawdown since its inception was -25.13%, smaller than the maximum VT drawdown of -50.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSTA and VT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSTA	VT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.13%	-50.27%	+25.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.29%	-9.67%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.76%	-16.51%	+4.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.58%	-26.38%	+9.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.13%	-34.24%	+9.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.90%	-2.80%	-3.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.56%	-7.00%	+3.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.71%	2.23%	+2.48%

Volatility

FSTA vs. VT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) is 4.99%, while Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) has a volatility of 5.65%. This indicates that FSTA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSTA	VT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.99%	5.65%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.34%	11.32%	-0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	13.58%	-0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.17%	16.19%	-3.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.59%	17.20%	-2.61%

FSTA vs. VT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSTA has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VT's 0.06% 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. VT - Dividend Comparison

FSTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, more than VT's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	2.20%	2.34%	2.25%	2.66%	2.26%	2.15%	2.47%	2.46%	3.01%	2.42%	2.53%	2.86%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.61%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSTA and VT in my portfolio?

FSTA and VT have a correlation of 0.04, 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 VT?

VT has higher volatility (5.65%) compared to FSTA (4.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSTA dropped -25.13% vs VT's -50.27%.

Which ETF is better, FSTA or VT?

On 10-year performance, VT leads with 12.96% vs 7.91% for FSTA. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, FSTA has been the lower-risk option at 4.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSTA or VT?

Over the 10-year period, VT has performed better with a 12.96% return vs 7.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSTA or VT?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for FSTA.

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

FSTA has the higher dividend yield at 2.20%, compared with 1.61% for VT.

What is the main difference between FSTA and VT?

FSTA is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while VT is Global Equities. FSTA tracks MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index, while VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for FSTA and 0.06% for VT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 0.42), 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.