VEXAX vs. FSSMX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VEXAX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) and FSSMX (Fidelity Stock Selector Mid Cap Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VEXAX returned 12.57%/yr vs 12.17%/yr for FSSMX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXAX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for FSSMX.

Performance

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) and Fidelity Stock Selector Mid Cap Fund (FSSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEXAX achieves a 15.01% return, which is significantly lower than FSSMX's 20.75% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VEXAX having a 12.57% annualized return and FSSMX not far behind at 12.17%.

VEXAX

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 2.29%
• YTD: 15.01%
• 6M: 12.44%
• 1Y: 28.09%
• 3Y*: 20.08%
• 5Y*: 5.98%
• 10Y*: 12.57%

FSSMX

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: 20.75%
• 6M: 9.61%
• 1Y: 21.92%
• 3Y*: 15.76%
• 5Y*: 7.61%
• 10Y*: 12.17%

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

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	15.01%	11.42%	15.47%	26.95%	-26.46%	12.45%	32.22%	28.03%	-9.37%	18.11%
FSSMX Fidelity Stock Selector Mid Cap Fund	20.75%	2.35%	12.50%	17.16%	-13.90%	23.25%	13.03%	29.57%	-7.70%	19.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXAX and FSSMX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2012	0.95

The correlation between VEXAX and FSSMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VEXAX vs. FSSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEXAX

VEXAX Risk / Return Rank: 45
VEXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VEXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VEXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VEXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VEXAX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

FSSMX

FSSMX Risk / Return Rank: 30
FSSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
FSSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
FSSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
FSSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
FSSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) and Fidelity Stock Selector Mid Cap Fund (FSSMX). 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.

	VEXAX	FSSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.15	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	1.58	+0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.22	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	2.17	+0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.25	6.95	+2.30

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEXAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is higher than the FSSMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEXAX and FSSMX, 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

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXAX drawdown since its inception was -58.08%, which is greater than FSSMX's maximum drawdown of -43.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXAX and FSSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXAX	FSSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.08%	-43.37%	-14.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.25%	-9.78%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.84%	-22.82%	-4.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.33%	-24.00%	-12.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.62%	-43.37%	+1.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.71%	-0.64%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.16%	-5.06%	-7.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	3.05%	-0.13%

Volatility

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) has a higher volatility of 6.13% compared to Fidelity Stock Selector Mid Cap Fund (FSSMX) at 5.26%. This indicates that VEXAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEXAX	FSSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.13%	5.26%	+0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.28%	15.30%	-2.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.82%	18.43%	-0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.45%	20.38%	+2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.38%	21.14%	+1.24%

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXAX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FSSMX's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEXAX vs. FSSMX - Dividend Comparison

VEXAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, while FSSMX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSSMX Fidelity Stock Selector Mid Cap Fund	0.00%	0.00%	3.10%	0.78%	9.73%	12.87%	2.31%	4.03%	21.01%	4.12%	0.92%	1.84%
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.24%	1.14%	1.09%	1.25%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXAX and FSSMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VEXAX and FSSMX 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, VEXAX or FSSMX?

VEXAX has higher volatility (6.13%) compared to FSSMX (5.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEXAX dropped -58.08% vs FSSMX's -43.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEXAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.15), 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.