IJR vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. IJR is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. Over the past year, IJR returned 31.54% vs 46.73% for FESM. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IJR charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

IJR vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) 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, IJR achieves a 15.38% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 19.64% return.

IJR

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 1.67%
• YTD: 15.38%
• 6M: 14.25%
• 1Y: 31.54%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: 5.64%
• 10Y*: 10.66%

FESM

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 19.64%
• 6M: 19.11%
• 1Y: 46.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IJR vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	15.38%	5.89%	8.63%	12.41%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	19.64%	17.88%	16.22%	12.19%

Correlation

The correlation between IJR and FESM is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2023	0.95

The correlation between IJR and FESM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJR vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJR	FESM
Financial Services	16.8%	14.8%
Industrials	15.5%	19.1%
Technology	15.5%	21.6%
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	7.4%
Healthcare	11.1%	15.7%
Real Estate	7.6%	4.2%
Energy	5.9%	7.2%
Basic Materials	5.1%	3.5%
Communication Services	3.6%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	1.4%
Utilities	2.0%	2.0%

Return for Risk

IJR vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJR

IJR Risk / Return Rank: 58
IJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
IJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
IJR Omega Ratio Rank: 49
IJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IJR Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

IJR vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) 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.

	IJR	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.48	-0.67
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	3.34	-0.70
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.41	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	4.61	-0.96
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.14	16.60	-4.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IJR vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJR Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJR 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IJR	FESM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.81	2.48	-0.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	1.29	-0.86

Drawdowns

IJR vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJR drawdown since its inception was -58.15%, which is greater than FESM's maximum drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJR and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJR	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.15%	-26.93%	-31.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.68%	-10.18%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.36%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-1.59%	+0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.28%	-4.79%	-4.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	2.82%	-0.22%

Volatility

IJR vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is 4.45%, while Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) has a volatility of 5.64%. This indicates that IJR 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

	IJR	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	5.64%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.65%	13.32%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.54%	18.98%	-1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.41%	21.26%	+0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.91%	21.26%	+1.65%

IJR vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

IJR vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

IJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, more than FESM's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.53%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	1.15%	1.44%	2.05%	1.31%	1.41%	1.53%	1.11%	1.44%	1.58%	1.20%	1.22%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJR and FESM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, IJR and FESM 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, IJR or FESM?

FESM has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to IJR (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJR dropped -58.15% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, IJR or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 46.73% vs 31.54% for IJR. On fees, IJR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, IJR has been the lower-risk option at 4.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJR or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 46.73% return vs 31.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJR or FESM?

IJR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for FESM.

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

IJR has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.53% for FESM.

What is the main difference between IJR and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for IJR and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.81), 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.