SEIS vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SEIS (SEI Select Small Cap ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SEIS returned 31.11% vs 51.65% for FESM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SEIS charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

SEIS vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Select Small Cap ETF (SEIS) 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, SEIS achieves a 17.00% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 24.59% return.

SEIS

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 3.90%
• YTD: 17.00%
• 6M: 14.13%
• 1Y: 31.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FESM

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: 24.59%
• 6M: 22.07%
• 1Y: 51.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEIS vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEIS SEI Select Small Cap ETF	17.00%	9.81%	1.42%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	24.59%	17.88%	1.78%

Correlation

The correlation between SEIS 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 Oct 10, 2024	0.97

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

Return for Risk

SEIS vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEIS

SEIS Risk / Return Rank: 54
SEIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SEIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SEIS Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SEIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SEIS Martin Ratio Rank: 58

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 85
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

SEIS vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Select Small Cap ETF (SEIS) 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.

	SEIS	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	2.66	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	3.53	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.43	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	5.10	-2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.25	18.36	-9.11

SEIS vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is lower than the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEIS 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.

Drawdowns

SEIS vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEIS drawdown since its inception was -26.08%, roughly equal to the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEIS and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEIS	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.08%	-26.93%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.18%	-10.18%	-1.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.11%	-0.78%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.83%	-4.71%	-1.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.37%	2.82%	+0.55%

Volatility

SEIS vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Select Small Cap ETF (SEIS) is 5.87%, while Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) has a volatility of 6.38%. This indicates that SEIS 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

	SEIS	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.87%	6.38%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.31%	14.11%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.41%	19.54%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.12%	21.32%	+0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.12%	21.32%	+0.80%

SEIS vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEIS has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEIS vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

SEIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than FESM's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.73%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%
SEIS SEI Select Small Cap ETF	0.36%	0.59%	0.23%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEIS and FESM in my portfolio?

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

FESM has higher volatility (6.38%) compared to SEIS (5.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEIS dropped -26.08% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, SEIS or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 51.65% vs 31.11% for SEIS. On fees, FESM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, SEIS has been the lower-risk option at 5.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEIS or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 51.65% return vs 31.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEIS or FESM?

FESM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for SEIS.

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

FESM has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.36% for SEIS.

What is the main difference between SEIS and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: SEI and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for SEIS and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 1.61), 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.