RSSL vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

RSSL (Global X Russell 2000 ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. RSSL is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. Over the past year, RSSL returned 43.38% vs 50.92% for FESM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. RSSL charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

RSSL vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) 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, RSSL achieves a 18.48% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 21.47% return.

RSSL

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 18.48%
• 6M: 19.47%
• 1Y: 43.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FESM

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 4.43%
• YTD: 21.47%
• 6M: 22.64%
• 1Y: 50.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RSSL vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	18.48%	12.87%	8.83%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	21.47%	17.88%	11.62%

Correlation

The correlation between RSSL 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 Jun 6, 2024	0.97

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

RSSL vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSSL	FESM
Industrials	17.6%	19.1%
Technology	17.0%	21.6%
Healthcare	16.5%	15.7%
Financial Services	15.8%	14.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	7.4%
Real Estate	6.1%	4.2%
Energy	6.1%	7.2%
Basic Materials	4.8%	3.5%
Utilities	2.9%	2.0%
Communication Services	2.4%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	1.4%

Return for Risk

RSSL vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSSL

RSSL Risk / Return Rank: 68
RSSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
RSSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
RSSL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
RSSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
RSSL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 82
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 74
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

RSSL vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) 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.

	RSSL	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.71	-0.43
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.61	-0.48
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.44	-0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.96	5.06	-1.10
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.98	18.28	-4.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSSL vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSSL 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

	RSSL	FESM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	2.71	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	1.33	-0.40

Drawdowns

RSSL vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSSL drawdown since its inception was -27.79%, roughly equal to the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSSL and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSSL	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.79%	-26.93%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.93%	-10.18%	-0.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.09%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.71%	-4.80%	-0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	2.82%	+0.28%

Volatility

RSSL vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) have volatilities of 5.62% and 5.38%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSSL	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.62%	5.38%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.49%	13.29%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.11%	18.91%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.46%	21.25%	+1.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.46%	21.25%	+1.21%

RSSL vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSSL has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSSL vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

RSSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%, 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%
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	1.27%	1.35%	0.99%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSSL and FESM in my portfolio?

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

RSSL has higher volatility (5.62%) compared to FESM (5.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSSL dropped -27.79% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, RSSL or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 50.92% vs 43.38% for RSSL. On fees, RSSL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FESM has been the lower-risk option at 5.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSSL or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 50.92% return vs 43.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSSL or FESM?

RSSL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for FESM.

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

RSSL has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.53% for FESM.

What is the main difference between RSSL and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for RSSL and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 2.28), 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.