VPU vs. FSUTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and FSUTX (Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio) are both Utilities Equities funds. VPU is passively managed, while FSUTX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VPU returned 9.25%/yr vs 11.72%/yr for FSUTX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VPU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.74%/yr for FSUTX.

Performance

VPU vs. FSUTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio (FSUTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VPU having a 6.78% return and FSUTX slightly lower at 6.75%. Over the past 10 years, VPU has underperformed FSUTX with an annualized return of 9.25%, while FSUTX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.72% annualized return.

VPU

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 6.78%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 13.99%
• 3Y*: 14.85%
• 5Y*: 10.36%
• 10Y*: 9.25%

FSUTX

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: -0.68%
• YTD: 6.75%
• 6M: 6.53%
• 1Y: 15.93%
• 3Y*: 18.04%
• 5Y*: 13.84%
• 10Y*: 11.72%

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

VPU vs. FSUTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	6.78%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%
FSUTX Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio	6.75%	16.19%	28.76%	-1.12%	5.20%	17.64%	0.75%	22.68%	8.41%	17.94%

Correlation

The correlation between VPU and FSUTX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.94

The correlation between VPU and FSUTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VPU vs. FSUTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 28
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

FSUTX

FSUTX Risk / Return Rank: 18
FSUTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
FSUTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
FSUTX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FSUTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
FSUTX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

VPU vs. FSUTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio (FSUTX). 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.

	VPU	FSUTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	1.06	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	1.50	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.19	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	1.89	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.36	4.15	-0.78

VPU vs. FSUTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPU Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is comparable to the FSUTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPU and FSUTX, 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

VPU vs. FSUTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, smaller than the maximum FSUTX drawdown of -66.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and FSUTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPU	FSUTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.31%	-66.73%	+20.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-9.21%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	-15.20%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	-20.15%	-5.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.42%	-37.61%	+1.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.02%	-4.59%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-11.25%	+3.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.17%	4.20%	-0.03%

Volatility

VPU vs. FSUTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is 5.15%, while Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio (FSUTX) has a volatility of 5.52%. This indicates that VPU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSUTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPU	FSUTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	5.52%	-0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.52%	12.99%	-1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.44%	16.43%	-1.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	17.39%	-0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.15%	19.41%	-0.26%

VPU vs. FSUTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than FSUTX's 0.74% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPU vs. FSUTX - Dividend Comparison

VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, less than FSUTX's 4.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSUTX Fidelity Select Utilities Portfolio	4.92%	6.61%	6.50%	3.52%	4.67%	2.68%	4.86%	2.29%	8.37%	5.61%	2.51%	4.47%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.59%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPU and FSUTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VPU and FSUTX 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, VPU or FSUTX?

FSUTX has higher volatility (5.52%) compared to VPU (5.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPU dropped -46.31% vs FSUTX's -66.73%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSUTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.06 vs 0.98), 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.