VSEQX vs. FSMAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) and FSMAX (Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSEQX returned 13.64%/yr vs 12.51%/yr for FSMAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSEQX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for FSMAX.

Performance

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) 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, VSEQX achieves a 17.17% return, which is significantly higher than FSMAX's 14.48% return. Over the past 10 years, VSEQX has outperformed FSMAX with an annualized return of 13.64%, while FSMAX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.51% annualized return.

VSEQX

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 3.02%
• YTD: 17.17%
• 6M: 14.93%
• 1Y: 33.64%
• 3Y*: 21.33%
• 5Y*: 12.13%
• 10Y*: 13.64%

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)

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	17.17%	15.32%	16.67%	19.31%	-11.90%	30.83%	10.26%	26.76%	-11.86%	12.36%
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 VSEQX and FSMAX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2011	0.96

The correlation between VSEQX and FSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSEQX vs. FSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSEQX

VSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 79
VSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
VSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) 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.

	VSEQX	FSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	1.59	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	2.24	+0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.27	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.67	2.76	+1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.94	9.68	+8.26

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSEQX Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is higher than the FSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSEQX 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

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSEQX drawdown since its inception was -63.55%, which is greater than FSMAX's maximum drawdown of -50.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSEQX and FSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSEQX	FSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.55%	-50.55%	-13.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.60%	-10.26%	+2.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.73%	-26.82%	+2.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.73%	-36.31%	+11.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.08%	-50.55%	+6.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-1.04%	+0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.05%	-12.12%	+3.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	2.92%	-0.94%

Volatility

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) is 4.44%, while Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX) has a volatility of 6.15%. This indicates that VSEQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSEQX	FSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	6.15%	-1.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.09%	13.30%	-2.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.32%	17.82%	-2.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.97%	22.44%	-2.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.41%	30.25%	-8.84%

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSEQX has a 0.17% 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

VSEQX vs. FSMAX - Dividend Comparison

VSEQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.52%, 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%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	9.52%	11.16%	11.36%	6.11%	11.77%	21.36%	1.77%	2.92%	10.34%	7.05%	3.13%	12.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSEQX and FSMAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VSEQX and FSMAX 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, VSEQX or FSMAX?

FSMAX has higher volatility (6.15%) compared to VSEQX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSEQX dropped -63.55% vs FSMAX's -50.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 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.