VMMSX vs. FPADX

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

VMMSX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund) and FPADX (Fidelity Emerging Markets Index Fund) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VMMSX returned 9.09%/yr vs 8.35%/yr for FPADX. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. VMMSX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for FPADX.

Performance

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) and Fidelity Emerging Markets Index Fund (FPADX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMMSX achieves a 13.15% return, which is significantly lower than FPADX's 16.52% return. Over the past 10 years, VMMSX has outperformed FPADX with an annualized return of 9.09%, while FPADX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.35% annualized return.

VMMSX

• 1D: 2.98%
• 1M: -0.35%
• 6M: 3.08%
• YTD: 13.15%
• 1Y: 32.23%
• 3Y*: 16.15%
• 5Y*: 7.04%
• 10Y*: 9.09%
• ALL TIME*: 5.42%

FPADX

• 1D: 3.98%
• 1M: -3.45%
• 6M: 7.70%
• YTD: 16.52%
• 1Y: 34.32%
• 3Y*: 17.79%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: 8.35%
• ALL TIME*: 5.60%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FPADX Fidelity Emerging Markets Index Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	13.15%	35.68%	5.91%	10.58%	-18.15%	-1.40%	15.79%	21.42%	-12.53%	32.01%
FPADX Fidelity Emerging Markets Index Fund	16.52%	33.90%	6.80%	9.51%	-20.06%	-3.07%	17.84%	18.28%	-14.65%	35.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VMMSX and FPADX is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2011	0.96

The correlation between VMMSX and FPADX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VMMSX vs. FPADX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VMMSX

VMMSX Risk / Return Rank: 63
VMMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VMMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VMMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VMMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VMMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

FPADX

FPADX Risk / Return Rank: 62
FPADX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
FPADX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FPADX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FPADX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FPADX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) and Fidelity Emerging Markets Index Fund (FPADX). 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.

	VMMSX	FPADX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.42	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	1.92	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.27	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.19	2.34	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.30	7.44	-0.14

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMMSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the FPADX Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMMSX and FPADX, 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

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMMSX drawdown since its inception was -39.28%, roughly equal to the maximum FPADX drawdown of -39.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMMSX and FPADX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMMSX	FPADX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.28%	-39.16%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.46%	-13.83%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.37%	-16.09%	-2.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.41%	-34.43%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.82%	-39.16%	+0.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.45%	-10.40%	+3.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.32%	-13.18%	-0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	4.33%	-0.29%

Volatility

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) is 6.75%, while Fidelity Emerging Markets Index Fund (FPADX) has a volatility of 9.49%. This indicates that VMMSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FPADX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMMSX	FPADX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.75%	9.49%	-2.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.85%	20.91%	-4.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.22%	22.72%	-3.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.19%	18.12%	+0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.50%	18.25%	+0.25%

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMMSX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than FPADX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMMSX vs. FPADX - Dividend Comparison

VMMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, more than FPADX's 2.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPADX Fidelity Emerging Markets Index Fund	2.02%	2.35%	2.70%	2.68%	2.47%	2.14%	1.50%	2.59%	2.20%	0.12%	1.69%	2.47%
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	2.05%	2.32%	3.33%	3.05%	3.71%	6.80%	1.04%	2.04%	2.53%	1.54%	1.44%	1.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMMSX and FPADX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VMMSX and FPADX 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, VMMSX or FPADX?

FPADX has higher volatility (9.49%) compared to VMMSX (6.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMMSX dropped -39.28% vs FPADX's -39.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.42), 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.