VSGX vs. FNIDX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VSGX (Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF) and FNIDX (Fidelity International Sustainability Index Fd) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VSGX returned 7.76%/yr vs 7.31%/yr for FNIDX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSGX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for FNIDX.

Performance

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) and Fidelity International Sustainability Index Fd (FNIDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSGX achieves a 14.48% return, which is significantly higher than FNIDX's 12.58% return.

VSGX

• 1D: -3.39%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 14.48%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 31.39%
• 3Y*: 19.42%
• 5Y*: 7.76%
• 10Y*: —

FNIDX

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 3.81%
• YTD: 12.58%
• 6M: 12.36%
• 1Y: 28.39%
• 3Y*: 17.90%
• 5Y*: 7.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	14.48%	30.77%	5.72%	15.62%	-18.61%	7.24%	13.01%	23.04%	-12.59%
FNIDX Fidelity International Sustainability Index Fd	12.58%	29.80%	5.67%	14.65%	-18.89%	7.65%	12.98%	22.20%	-10.55%

Correlation

The correlation between VSGX and FNIDX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 20, 2018	0.97

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

Return for Risk

VSGX vs. FNIDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSGX

VSGX Risk / Return Rank: 54
VSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

FNIDX

FNIDX Risk / Return Rank: 47
FNIDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
FNIDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FNIDX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
FNIDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
FNIDX 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.

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) and Fidelity International Sustainability Index Fd (FNIDX). 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.

	VSGX	FNIDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.86	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.56	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.34	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	2.59	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.42	9.76	-0.34

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the FNIDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSGX and FNIDX, 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

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSGX drawdown since its inception was -33.09%, roughly equal to the maximum FNIDX drawdown of -33.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSGX and FNIDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSGX	FNIDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.09%	-33.17%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.84%	-11.36%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.83%	-14.92%	+1.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.14%	-32.79%	+0.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.39%	0.00%	-3.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.73%	-8.22%	+0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	3.01%	+0.33%

Volatility

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) has a higher volatility of 7.90% compared to Fidelity International Sustainability Index Fd (FNIDX) at 6.53%. This indicates that VSGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FNIDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSGX	FNIDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.90%	6.53%	+1.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.73%	13.67%	+2.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.67%	15.92%	+1.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.60%	16.02%	+0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.17%	16.63%	+1.54%

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSGX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than FNIDX's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VSGX vs. FNIDX - Dividend Comparison

VSGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.97%, more than FNIDX's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNIDX Fidelity International Sustainability Index Fd	2.50%	2.81%	2.34%	2.64%	2.32%	1.93%	1.13%	2.17%	2.28%	1.27%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	2.97%	3.23%	3.10%	2.77%	2.61%	2.49%	1.67%	2.28%	0.38%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSGX and FNIDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VSGX and FNIDX 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, VSGX or FNIDX?

VSGX has higher volatility (7.90%) compared to FNIDX (6.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSGX dropped -33.09% vs FNIDX's -33.17%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNIDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.79), 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.