MSSM vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSSM returned 35.45% vs 46.73% for FESM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MSSM charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

MSSM vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) 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, MSSM achieves a 17.34% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 19.64% return.

MSSM

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

MSSM vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	17.34%	11.33%	-5.83%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	19.64%	17.88%	-7.33%

Correlation

The correlation between MSSM and FESM is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.97

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

Return for Risk

MSSM vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 67
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MSSM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

MSSM vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) 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.

	MSSM	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	2.48	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	3.34	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.41	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.75	4.61	-0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.47	16.60	-2.13
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSSM vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSSM 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

	MSSM	FESM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	2.48	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	1.29	-0.56

Drawdowns

MSSM vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSSM drawdown since its inception was -24.18%, smaller than the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSSM and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSSM	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.18%	-26.93%	+2.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-10.18%	+0.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-1.59%	+0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.67%	-4.79%	+0.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	2.82%	-0.36%

Volatility

MSSM vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) is 5.05%, while Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) has a volatility of 5.64%. This indicates that MSSM 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

	MSSM	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	5.64%	-0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.76%	13.32%	-0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.27%	18.98%	-1.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.91%	21.26%	-0.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	21.26%	-0.35%

MSSM vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSSM has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSSM vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

MSSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, more than FESM's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.53%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.69%	3.15%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSSM and FESM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, MSSM 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, MSSM or FESM?

FESM has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to MSSM (5.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSSM dropped -24.18% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, MSSM or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 46.73% vs 35.45% for MSSM. On fees, FESM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, MSSM has been the lower-risk option at 5.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSSM or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 46.73% return vs 35.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSSM or FESM?

FESM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for MSSM.

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

MSSM has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 0.53% for FESM.

What is the main difference between MSSM and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for MSSM and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 2.07), 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.