VFWSX vs. FSMAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VFWSX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FSMAX (Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VFWSX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while FSMAX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Completion Total Stock Market Index. Over the past 10 years, VFWSX returned 10.35%/yr vs 12.51%/yr for FSMAX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFWSX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for FSMAX.

Performance

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFWSX) and Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFWSX achieves a 12.81% return, which is significantly lower than FSMAX's 14.48% return. Over the past 10 years, VFWSX has underperformed FSMAX with an annualized return of 10.35%, while FSMAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.51% annualized return.

VFWSX

• 1D: -3.05%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 12.70%
• 1Y: 28.09%
• 3Y*: 19.11%
• 5Y*: 8.57%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

FSMAX

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 3.35%
• YTD: 14.48%
• 6M: 11.93%
• 1Y: 26.30%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 5.98%
• 10Y*: 12.51%

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

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFWSX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares	12.81%	32.38%	5.45%	15.59%	-15.48%	8.11%	11.37%	21.58%	-13.97%	27.24%
FSMAX Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund	14.48%	11.40%	16.99%	25.36%	-26.44%	12.41%	32.28%	28.01%	-9.44%	18.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VFWSX and FSMAX is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2011	0.76

The correlation between VFWSX and FSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFWSX vs. FSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFWSX

VFWSX Risk / Return Rank: 52
VFWSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VFWSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VFWSX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VFWSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VFWSX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

FSMAX

FSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 41
FSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
FSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
FSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
FSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFWSX) and Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX). 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.

	VFWSX	FSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.59	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.24	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.27	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	2.76	-0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.32	9.68	+0.64

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFWSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the FSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFWSX and FSMAX, 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

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFWSX drawdown since its inception was -61.60%, which is greater than FSMAX's maximum drawdown of -50.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFWSX and FSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFWSX	FSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.60%	-50.55%	-11.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.34%	-10.26%	-1.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.26%	-26.82%	+13.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.17%	-36.31%	+7.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	-50.55%	+15.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.05%	-1.04%	-2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.21%	-12.12%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	2.92%	+0.01%

Volatility

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFWSX) has a higher volatility of 6.93% compared to Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX) at 6.15%. This indicates that VFWSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFWSX	FSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.93%	6.15%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.59%	13.30%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.61%	17.82%	-2.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	22.44%	-7.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.97%	30.25%	-14.28%

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFWSX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than FSMAX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFWSX vs. FSMAX - Dividend Comparison

VFWSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, more than FSMAX's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSMAX Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund	0.50%	0.57%	0.48%	1.17%	1.90%	7.49%	2.14%	4.30%	6.09%	5.44%	4.85%	6.34%
VFWSX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.56%	3.08%	3.23%	3.31%	3.10%	3.06%	1.99%	3.10%	3.28%	2.67%	2.97%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFWSX and FSMAX in my portfolio?

VFWSX and FSMAX have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFWSX or FSMAX?

VFWSX has higher volatility (6.93%) compared to FSMAX (6.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFWSX dropped -61.60% vs FSMAX's -50.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFWSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.59), 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.