FSUTX vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FSUTX (Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. FSUTX is actively managed, while VPU is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FSUTX returned 11.60%/yr vs 9.17%/yr for VPU. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSUTX charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

FSUTX vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio (FSUTX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FSUTX having a 5.88% return and VPU slightly higher at 5.98%. Over the past 10 years, FSUTX has outperformed VPU with an annualized return of 11.60%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.17% annualized return.

FSUTX

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -1.49%
• YTD: 5.88%
• 6M: 5.82%
• 1Y: 16.41%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: 11.60%

VPU

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 5.98%
• 6M: 6.31%
• 1Y: 14.60%
• 3Y*: 14.56%
• 5Y*: 10.18%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

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

FSUTX vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSUTX Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio	5.88%	16.19%	28.76%	-1.12%	5.20%	17.64%	0.75%	22.68%	8.41%	17.94%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	5.98%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between FSUTX and VPU is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.94

The correlation between FSUTX and VPU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSUTX vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSUTX

FSUTX Risk / Return Rank: 17
FSUTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
FSUTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
FSUTX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
FSUTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
FSUTX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 29
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

FSUTX vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio (FSUTX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	FSUTX	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	1.02	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.44	1.43	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.18	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	1.65	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.98	3.51	+0.47

FSUTX vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSUTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.02, which is comparable to the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSUTX and VPU, 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

FSUTX vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSUTX drawdown since its inception was -66.73%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSUTX and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSUTX	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.73%	-46.31%	-20.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.21%	-8.90%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.20%	-17.34%	+2.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.15%	-25.15%	+5.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.61%	-36.42%	-1.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.37%	-4.74%	-0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.25%	-7.78%	-3.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.19%	4.16%	+0.03%

Volatility

FSUTX vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio (FSUTX) has a higher volatility of 5.54% compared to Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) at 5.20%. This indicates that FSUTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSUTX	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	5.20%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.12%	11.54%	+1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.39%	14.45%	+1.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.40%	17.03%	+0.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.40%	19.15%	+0.25%

FSUTX vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSUTX has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSUTX vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

FSUTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.96%, more than VPU's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSUTX Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio	4.96%	6.61%	6.50%	3.52%	4.67%	2.68%	4.86%	2.29%	8.37%	5.61%	2.51%	4.47%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.61%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSUTX and VPU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FSUTX and VPU 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, FSUTX or VPU?

FSUTX has higher volatility (5.54%) compared to VPU (5.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSUTX dropped -66.73% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSUTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.02 vs 1.02), 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.