HEFA vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

HEFA (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HEFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE 100% Hedged to USD Index, while FESM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity. HEFA is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. Over the past year, HEFA returned 28.01% vs 51.99% for FESM. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HEFA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

HEFA vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEFA achieves a 11.36% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 22.93% return.

HEFA

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.88%
• YTD: 11.36%
• 6M: 12.73%
• 1Y: 28.01%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 13.27%

FESM

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 6.63%
• YTD: 22.93%
• 6M: 20.18%
• 1Y: 51.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HEFA vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	11.36%	24.58%	13.71%	3.30%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	22.93%	17.88%	16.22%	12.09%

Correlation

The correlation between HEFA and FESM is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2023	0.67

The correlation between HEFA and FESM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

HEFA vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEFA	FESM
Financial Services	24.9%	14.6%
Industrials	18.4%	18.5%
Technology	12.7%	23.3%
Healthcare	10.2%	16.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	1.1%
Basic Materials	6.2%	4.0%
Communication Services	4.5%	3.1%
Energy	3.9%	5.9%
Utilities	3.4%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.2%	3.9%

Return for Risk

HEFA vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEFA

HEFA Risk / Return Rank: 72
HEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
HEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
HEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 75
HEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
HEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 73

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 87
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

HEFA vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). 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.

	HEFA	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.53	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	3.37	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.41	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	4.85	-2.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.78	17.47	-5.70

HEFA vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEFA Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEFA and FESM, 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

HEFA vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEFA drawdown since its inception was -32.39%, which is greater than FESM's maximum drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEFA and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEFA	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.39%	-26.93%	-5.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.52%	-10.18%	+0.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.28%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.79%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.16%	-4.75%	+0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	2.83%	-0.55%

Volatility

HEFA vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is 4.55%, while Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) has a volatility of 6.80%. This indicates that HEFA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FESM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEFA	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	6.80%	-2.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.68%	14.05%	-3.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.08%	19.50%	-6.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	21.35%	-7.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.86%	21.35%	-5.49%

HEFA vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEFA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEFA vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

HEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.95%, more than FESM's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.52%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	3.95%	4.40%	3.09%	3.02%	25.14%	3.06%	2.10%	7.56%	4.58%	2.55%	3.17%	3.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEFA and FESM in my portfolio?

HEFA and FESM have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEFA or FESM?

FESM has higher volatility (6.80%) compared to HEFA (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEFA dropped -32.39% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, HEFA or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 51.99% vs 28.01% for HEFA. On fees, FESM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, HEFA has been the lower-risk option at 4.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEFA or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 51.99% return vs 28.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEFA or FESM?

FESM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for HEFA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HEFA or FESM?

HEFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.95%, compared with 0.52% for FESM.

What is the main difference between HEFA and FESM?

HEFA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while FESM is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for HEFA and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.05), 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.