FSTGX vs. FGOVX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FSTGX (Fidelity Intermediate Government Income Fund) and FGOVX (Fidelity Government Income Fund) are both Government Bonds funds from Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, FSTGX returned 1.01%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for FGOVX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.45% expense ratio.

Performance

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Intermediate Government Income Fund (FSTGX) and Fidelity Government Income Fund (FGOVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSTGX achieves a -0.05% return, which is significantly lower than FGOVX's 0.33% return. Over the past 10 years, FSTGX has outperformed FGOVX with an annualized return of 1.01%, while FGOVX has yielded a comparatively lower 0.77% annualized return.

FSTGX

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: -0.05%
• 6M: 0.20%
• 1Y: 2.96%
• 3Y*: 3.58%
• 5Y*: 0.37%
• 10Y*: 1.01%

FGOVX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: 0.33%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 4.20%
• 3Y*: 3.08%
• 5Y*: -0.65%
• 10Y*: 0.77%

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

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSTGX Fidelity Intermediate Government Income Fund	-0.05%	6.00%	2.24%	3.88%	-8.76%	-2.28%	5.46%	4.84%	1.20%	0.98%
FGOVX Fidelity Government Income Fund	0.33%	6.57%	0.09%	4.23%	-13.09%	-2.25%	6.79%	6.41%	0.63%	2.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FSTGX and FGOVX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 1988	0.89

The correlation between FSTGX and FGOVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSTGX vs. FGOVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSTGX

FSTGX Risk / Return Rank: 20
FSTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
FSTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FSTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FSTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FSTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

FGOVX

FGOVX Risk / Return Rank: 17
FGOVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
FGOVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
FGOVX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
FGOVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
FGOVX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Intermediate Government Income Fund (FSTGX) and Fidelity Government Income Fund (FGOVX). 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.

	FSTGX	FGOVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.12	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	1.67	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.20	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.63	1.38	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.46	3.91	+0.55

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSTGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is comparable to the FGOVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSTGX and FGOVX, 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

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSTGX drawdown since its inception was -13.66%, smaller than the maximum FGOVX drawdown of -19.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSTGX and FGOVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSTGX	FGOVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.66%	-19.93%	+6.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.89%	-3.06%	+1.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.97%	-6.33%	+3.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.54%	-18.00%	+5.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.66%	-19.93%	+6.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-6.69%	+5.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.57%	-3.93%	+2.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	1.08%	-0.39%

Volatility

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Intermediate Government Income Fund (FSTGX) is 0.87%, while Fidelity Government Income Fund (FGOVX) has a volatility of 1.14%. This indicates that FSTGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FGOVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSTGX	FGOVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.87%	1.14%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.88%	2.77%	-0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.63%	3.77%	-1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.11%	6.09%	-1.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.38%	5.04%	-1.66%

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FSTGX and FGOVX have an expense ratio of 0.45%.

Dividends

FSTGX vs. FGOVX - Dividend Comparison

FSTGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.15%, less than FGOVX's 3.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGOVX Fidelity Government Income Fund	3.48%	3.37%	3.20%	2.57%	1.13%	0.60%	2.39%	2.10%	2.08%	1.81%	2.69%	2.25%
FSTGX Fidelity Intermediate Government Income Fund	3.15%	3.04%	2.94%	2.12%	0.99%	0.77%	2.65%	1.85%	1.84%	1.47%	1.52%	1.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSTGX and FGOVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FSTGX and FGOVX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FSTGX or FGOVX?

FGOVX has higher volatility (1.14%) compared to FSTGX (0.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSTGX dropped -13.66% vs FGOVX's -19.93%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSTGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 1.12), 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.