RESM vs. FESM

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

RESM (Columbia Research Enhanced Small Cap ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. RESM is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. RESM charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

RESM vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Research Enhanced Small Cap ETF (RESM) 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, RESM achieves a 21.67% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 26.58% return.

RESM

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 5.32%
• 6M: 21.06%
• YTD: 21.67%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FESM

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: 5.81%
• 6M: 25.65%
• YTD: 26.58%
• 1Y: 45.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RESM vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RESM Columbia Research Enhanced Small Cap ETF	21.67%	-3.32%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	26.58%	-2.44%

Correlation

The correlation between RESM and FESM is 0.95 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025	0.95

Return for Risk

RESM vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

RESM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 88
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

RESM vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Research Enhanced Small Cap ETF (RESM) 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.

	RESM	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.44	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.28	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.40	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.65	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	16.73	—

Drawdowns

RESM vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RESM drawdown since its inception was -8.50%, smaller than the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RESM and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RESM	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-26.93%	+18.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-1.45%	+0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.77%	-4.66%	+2.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.82%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RESM	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.28%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.10%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.36%	19.43%	-2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.36%	21.24%	-3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	21.24%	-3.88%

RESM vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RESM has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

RESM vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

RESM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than FESM's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.72%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%
RESM Columbia Research Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.08%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RESM and FESM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, RESM 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 ETF is better, RESM or FESM?

On fees, FESM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RESM or FESM?

FESM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for RESM.

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

FESM has the higher dividend yield at 0.72%, compared with 0.08% for RESM.

What is the main difference between RESM and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: Columbia Threadneedle and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for RESM and 0.28% for FESM.