IGRO vs. FSMD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IGRO (iShares International Dividend Growth ETF) and FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGRO is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth Index (Net), while FSMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IGRO returned 7.69%/yr vs 10.00%/yr for FSMD. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGRO charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for FSMD.

Performance

IGRO vs. FSMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGRO achieves a 7.79% return, which is significantly lower than FSMD's 17.58% return.

IGRO

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 14.94%
• 3Y*: 15.50%
• 5Y*: 7.69%
• 10Y*: 9.08%

FSMD

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 17.58%
• 6M: 15.58%
• 1Y: 29.65%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 10Y*: —

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

IGRO vs. FSMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IGRO iShares International Dividend Growth ETF	7.79%	25.03%	7.78%	15.38%	-12.72%	9.94%	7.71%	13.64%
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	17.58%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	8.94%	8.81%

Correlation

The correlation between IGRO and FSMD is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2019	0.69

The correlation between IGRO and FSMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGRO vs. FSMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGRO	FSMD
Financial Services	32.0%	14.8%
Industrials	14.4%	20.1%
Healthcare	12.6%	11.7%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	3.1%
Technology	8.7%	20.5%
Utilities	6.9%	2.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	10.6%
Basic Materials	3.5%	4.0%
Energy	2.4%	4.1%
Communication Services	1.9%	2.9%
Real Estate	0.6%	6.2%

Return for Risk

IGRO vs. FSMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGRO

IGRO Risk / Return Rank: 34
IGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
IGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
IGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
IGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 37

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 66
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

IGRO vs. FSMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). 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.

	IGRO	FSMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	1.78	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	2.58	-0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.31	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	3.30	-1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.17	11.89	-6.72

IGRO vs. FSMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGRO Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the FSMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGRO and FSMD, 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

IGRO vs. FSMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGRO drawdown since its inception was -36.25%, smaller than the maximum FSMD drawdown of -40.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGRO and FSMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGRO	FSMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.25%	-40.67%	+4.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.00%	-8.44%	-1.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.13%	-22.16%	+11.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-22.16%	-3.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	0.00%	-1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.67%	-5.98%	+0.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	2.34%	+0.36%

Volatility

IGRO vs. FSMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) is 3.59%, while Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) has a volatility of 5.14%. This indicates that IGRO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGRO	FSMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.59%	5.14%	-1.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.65%	11.85%	-1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.71%	15.69%	-2.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.95%	18.55%	-4.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.85%	21.43%	-4.58%

IGRO vs. FSMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGRO has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than FSMD's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGRO vs. FSMD - Dividend Comparison

IGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.36%, more than FSMD's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IGRO iShares International Dividend Growth ETF	2.36%	2.51%	2.44%	2.79%	2.69%	2.27%	2.41%	2.65%	2.97%	2.43%	1.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGRO and FSMD in my portfolio?

IGRO and FSMD have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGRO or FSMD?

FSMD has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to IGRO (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGRO dropped -36.25% vs FSMD's -40.67%.

Which ETF is better, IGRO or FSMD?

On 5-year performance, FSMD leads with 10.00% vs 7.69% for IGRO. On fees, IGRO is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IGRO has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGRO or FSMD?

Over the 5-year period, FSMD has performed better with a 10.00% return vs 7.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGRO or FSMD?

IGRO is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for FSMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGRO or FSMD?

IGRO has the higher dividend yield at 2.36%, compared with 1.18% for FSMD.

What is the main difference between IGRO and FSMD?

IGRO is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while FSMD is Small Cap Growth Equities. IGRO tracks Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth Index (Net), while FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IGRO and 0.29% for FSMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.10), 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.