VSMGX vs. FCSRX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSMGX (Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund) and FCSRX (Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class C) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, VSMGX returned 8.90%/yr vs 4.69%/yr for FCSRX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSMGX charges 0.13%/yr vs 1.70%/yr for FCSRX.

Performance

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX) and Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class C (FCSRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VSMGX having a 8.24% return and FCSRX slightly higher at 8.28%. Over the past 10 years, VSMGX has outperformed FCSRX with an annualized return of 8.90%, while FCSRX has yielded a comparatively lower 4.69% annualized return.

VSMGX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 8.24%
• 6M: 8.79%
• 1Y: 19.95%
• 3Y*: 16.07%
• 5Y*: 7.92%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

FCSRX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 8.28%
• 6M: 8.46%
• 1Y: 15.58%
• 3Y*: 9.05%
• 5Y*: 5.29%
• 10Y*: 4.69%

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

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund	8.24%	16.26%	15.03%	15.70%	-16.01%	10.08%	13.59%	19.37%	-4.91%	13.66%
FCSRX Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class C	8.28%	9.27%	4.75%	3.60%	-4.26%	14.68%	2.60%	9.54%	-5.03%	3.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMGX and FCSRX is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2005	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between VSMGX and FCSRX has dropped to 0.37 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VSMGX vs. FCSRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMGX

VSMGX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VSMGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VSMGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VSMGX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VSMGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VSMGX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

FCSRX

FCSRX Risk / Return Rank: 95
FCSRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FCSRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FCSRX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
FCSRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FCSRX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX) and Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class C (FCSRX). 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.

	VSMGX	FCSRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	3.39	-0.93
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.51	4.78	-1.27
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.68	-0.21
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	7.81	-4.76
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.33	29.53	-16.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the FCSRX Sharpe Ratio of 3.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMGX and FCSRX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VSMGX	FCSRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	3.39	-0.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.77	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.70	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.45	+0.25

Drawdowns

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMGX drawdown since its inception was -41.13%, which is greater than FCSRX's maximum drawdown of -33.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMGX and FCSRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMGX	FCSRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.13%	-33.91%	-7.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.64%	-1.99%	-4.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.62%	-5.85%	-3.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.29%	-13.22%	-9.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.43%	-20.02%	-2.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.74%	+0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.84%	-5.09%	+0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.51%	0.52%	+0.99%

Volatility

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX) has a higher volatility of 2.65% compared to Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class C (FCSRX) at 1.23%. This indicates that VSMGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FCSRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSMGX	FCSRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.65%	1.23%	+1.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.65%	3.58%	+3.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.19%	4.59%	+3.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.18%	6.89%	+3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.36%	6.71%	+3.65%

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMGX has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than FCSRX's 1.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSMGX vs. FCSRX - Dividend Comparison

VSMGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.85%, more than FCSRX's 3.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCSRX Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class C	3.27%	3.74%	3.86%	4.35%	6.51%	4.53%	1.32%	2.20%	8.51%	1.58%	1.34%	0.66%
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund	4.85%	5.25%	11.49%	4.01%	2.66%	3.86%	3.46%	2.52%	4.11%	1.09%	2.26%	3.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMGX and FCSRX in my portfolio?

VSMGX and FCSRX have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSMGX or FCSRX?

VSMGX has higher volatility (2.65%) compared to FCSRX (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMGX dropped -41.13% vs FCSRX's -33.91%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCSRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.39 vs 2.47), 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.