VB vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. VB is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. Over the past year, VB returned 31.39% vs 50.92% for FESM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

VB vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) 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, VB achieves a 14.91% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 21.47% return.

VB

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 14.91%
• 6M: 16.03%
• 1Y: 31.39%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

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)

VB vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.91%	8.87%	14.17%	11.23%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	21.47%	17.88%	16.22%	12.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and FESM is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2023	0.96

The correlation between VB and FESM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VB vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	FESM
Industrials	20.8%	19.1%
Technology	17.2%	21.6%
Financial Services	12.6%	14.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	7.4%
Healthcare	11.1%	15.7%
Real Estate	7.6%	4.2%
Basic Materials	4.8%	3.5%
Energy	4.7%	7.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	1.4%
Utilities	3.3%	2.0%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.1%

Return for Risk

VB vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 61
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

VB vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) 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.

	VB	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.71	-0.77
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	3.61	-0.85
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.44	-0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	5.06	-1.59
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.82	18.28	-5.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VB vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB 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

	VB	FESM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	2.71	-0.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	1.33	-0.89

Drawdowns

VB vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than FESM's maximum drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-26.93%	-32.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-10.18%	+1.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.09%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.44%	-4.80%	-3.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.82%	-0.39%

Volatility

VB vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) is 4.40%, while Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) has a volatility of 5.38%. This indicates that VB 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

	VB	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	5.38%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.73%	13.29%	-1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	18.91%	-2.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.75%	21.25%	-0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	21.25%	+0.18%

VB vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

VB vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, 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%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and FESM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VB 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, VB or FESM?

FESM has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to VB (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, VB or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 50.92% vs 31.39% for VB. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 50.92% return vs 31.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or FESM?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for FESM.

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

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.53% for FESM.

What is the main difference between VB and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.94), 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.