VPMAX vs. FSENX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VPMAX (Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares) and FSENX (Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio) are both mutual funds - VPMAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while FSENX is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, VPMAX returned 17.47%/yr vs 8.87%/yr for FSENX. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VPMAX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for FSENX.

Performance

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares (VPMAX) and Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio (FSENX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPMAX achieves a 25.12% return, which is significantly lower than FSENX's 30.30% return. Over the past 10 years, VPMAX has outperformed FSENX with an annualized return of 17.47%, while FSENX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.87% annualized return.

VPMAX

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: -0.20%
• 6M: 19.04%
• YTD: 25.12%
• 1Y: 48.96%
• 3Y*: 26.49%
• 5Y*: 15.61%
• 10Y*: 17.47%

FSENX

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: -2.75%
• 6M: 25.63%
• YTD: 30.30%
• 1Y: 35.77%
• 3Y*: 15.52%
• 5Y*: 22.11%
• 10Y*: 8.87%

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

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VPMAX Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares	25.12%	29.70%	13.30%	28.25%	-15.16%	21.72%	17.23%	27.88%	-1.93%	28.28%
FSENX Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio	30.30%	10.56%	4.26%	0.94%	62.98%	55.31%	-32.51%	9.90%	-24.94%	-2.65%

Correlation

The correlation between VPMAX and FSENX is -0.02, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	0.57

The correlation between VPMAX and FSENX shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (1 year) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VPMAX vs. FSENX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPMAX

VPMAX Risk / Return Rank: 91
VPMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
VPMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
VPMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
VPMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VPMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

FSENX

FSENX Risk / Return Rank: 62
FSENX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
FSENX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FSENX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FSENX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FSENX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares (VPMAX) and Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio (FSENX). 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.

	VPMAX	FSENX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	1.84	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.51	2.45	+1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.30	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.13	3.00	+1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.04	8.18	+9.86

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPMAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is higher than the FSENX Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPMAX and FSENX, 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

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPMAX drawdown since its inception was -48.32%, smaller than the maximum FSENX drawdown of -76.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPMAX and FSENX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPMAX	FSENX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.32%	-76.24%	+27.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.72%	-12.22%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.55%	-25.85%	+5.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.21%	-28.02%	+2.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.65%	-72.11%	+39.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.14%	-8.41%	+4.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.56%	-16.99%	+10.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	4.48%	-1.80%

Volatility

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares (VPMAX) has a higher volatility of 8.70% compared to Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio (FSENX) at 6.39%. This indicates that VPMAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSENX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPMAX	FSENX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.70%	6.39%	+2.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.63%	15.88%	-0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.41%	19.95%	-1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.70%	27.16%	-8.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.33%	30.85%	-11.52%

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPMAX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than FSENX's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPMAX vs. FSENX - Dividend Comparison

VPMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.15%, more than FSENX's 1.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSENX Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio	1.64%	1.95%	1.95%	1.98%	2.50%	2.25%	3.43%	1.84%	1.48%	1.74%	0.62%	1.29%
VPMAX Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares	13.15%	16.46%	6.71%	7.24%	9.94%	10.18%	9.82%	7.23%	8.43%	4.52%	5.13%	5.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPMAX and FSENX in my portfolio?

VPMAX and FSENX have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPMAX or FSENX?

VPMAX has higher volatility (8.70%) compared to FSENX (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPMAX dropped -48.32% vs FSENX's -76.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 1.84), 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.