VGTSX vs. FAOSX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VGTSX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares) and FAOSX (Fidelity Advisor Overseas Fund Class Z) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VGTSX returned 8.20%/yr vs 3.25%/yr for FAOSX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGTSX charges 0.17%/yr vs 1.02%/yr for FAOSX.

Performance

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares (VGTSX) and Fidelity Advisor Overseas Fund Class Z (FAOSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VGTSX

• 1D: -1.72%
• 1M: -1.88%
• 6M: 7.62%
• YTD: 11.48%
• 1Y: 24.62%
• 3Y*: 16.77%
• 5Y*: 8.20%
• 10Y*: 9.33%

FAOSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 1Y: -2.95%
• 3Y*: 7.78%
• 5Y*: 3.25%
• 10Y*: —

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

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGTSX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares	11.48%	32.05%	5.30%	15.18%	-16.07%	8.58%	11.15%	21.44%	-14.47%	22.64%
FAOSX Fidelity Advisor Overseas Fund Class Z	0.00%	15.36%	5.06%	20.52%	-24.31%	19.42%	15.17%	27.96%	-14.73%	26.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VGTSX and FAOSX is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.87

Over the past year, the correlation between VGTSX and FAOSX has dropped to 0.47 - well below their long-term average of 0.87, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VGTSX vs. FAOSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGTSX

VGTSX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VGTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VGTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VGTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VGTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VGTSX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

FAOSX

FAOSX Risk / Return Rank: 1
FAOSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
FAOSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
FAOSX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
FAOSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
FAOSX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares (VGTSX) and Fidelity Advisor Overseas Fund Class Z (FAOSX). 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.

	VGTSX	FAOSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	-0.41	+1.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	-0.51	+2.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	0.91	+0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.19	-0.47	+2.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.35	-0.73	+9.09

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGTSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is higher than the FAOSX Sharpe Ratio of -0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGTSX and FAOSX, 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

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGTSX drawdown since its inception was -61.48%, which is greater than FAOSX's maximum drawdown of -36.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGTSX and FAOSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGTSX	FAOSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.48%	-36.24%	-25.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-7.26%	-4.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.11%	-13.96%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.56%	-36.24%	+6.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.72%	-5.86%	+2.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.93%	-7.91%	-6.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	4.31%	-1.35%

Volatility

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares (VGTSX) has a higher volatility of 6.30% compared to Fidelity Advisor Overseas Fund Class Z (FAOSX) at 0.00%. This indicates that VGTSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAOSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGTSX	FAOSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.30%	0.00%	+6.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.80%	2.59%	+11.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.70%	8.27%	+7.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.31%	16.69%	-1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.79%	16.60%	-0.81%

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGTSX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than FAOSX's 1.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGTSX vs. FAOSX - Dividend Comparison

VGTSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, less than FAOSX's 8.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAOSX Fidelity Advisor Overseas Fund Class Z	8.67%	8.67%	1.80%	1.12%	0.85%	2.07%	0.00%	1.70%	5.30%	3.93%	0.00%	0.00%
VGTSX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares	2.51%	3.08%	3.26%	3.16%	2.98%	2.99%	2.05%	2.98%	3.09%	2.68%	2.86%	2.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGTSX and FAOSX in my portfolio?

VGTSX and FAOSX have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGTSX or FAOSX?

VGTSX has higher volatility (6.30%) compared to FAOSX (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGTSX dropped -61.48% vs FAOSX's -36.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGTSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs -0.41), 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.