VTSNX vs. FSENX

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

VTSNX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FSENX (Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio) are both mutual funds - VTSNX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while FSENX is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity. VTSNX is passively managed, while FSENX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTSNX returned 9.54%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for FSENX. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VTSNX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for FSENX.

Performance

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) 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, VTSNX achieves a 12.57% return, which is significantly lower than FSENX's 34.63% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTSNX having a 9.54% annualized return and FSENX not far behind at 9.37%.

VTSNX

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: -2.32%
• 6M: 8.40%
• YTD: 12.57%
• 1Y: 26.54%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 8.64%
• 10Y*: 9.54%

FSENX

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 3.78%
• 6M: 24.76%
• YTD: 34.63%
• 1Y: 43.88%
• 3Y*: 17.76%
• 5Y*: 24.41%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	12.57%	32.24%	5.38%	15.29%	-15.99%	8.64%	11.27%	21.69%	-14.41%	27.54%
FSENX Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio	34.63%	10.56%	4.26%	0.94%	62.98%	55.31%	-32.51%	9.90%	-24.94%	-2.65%

Correlation

The correlation between VTSNX 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	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2011	0.56

The correlation between VTSNX and FSENX shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (1 year) to 0.56 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VTSNX vs. FSENX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTSNX

VTSNX Risk / Return Rank: 57
VTSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VTSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VTSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VTSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

FSENX

FSENX Risk / Return Rank: 76
FSENX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
FSENX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FSENX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
FSENX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FSENX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) 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.

	VTSNX	FSENX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.10	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.75	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	3.45	-1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.77	9.43	-0.65

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTSNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the FSENX Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTSNX 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

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTSNX drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, smaller than the maximum FSENX drawdown of -76.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTSNX and FSENX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTSNX	FSENX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-76.24%	+40.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-12.22%	+0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-25.85%	+12.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.50%	-28.02%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.72%	-72.11%	+36.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	-5.37%	+2.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.05%	-16.99%	+8.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	4.48%	-1.52%

Volatility

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) is 5.50%, while Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio (FSENX) has a volatility of 6.82%. This indicates that VTSNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSENX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTSNX	FSENX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	6.82%	-1.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.79%	15.83%	-2.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.66%	20.11%	-4.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.32%	27.16%	-11.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.79%	30.85%	-15.06%

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTSNX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FSENX's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTSNX vs. FSENX - Dividend Comparison

VTSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.58%, more than FSENX's 1.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSENX Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio	1.59%	1.95%	1.95%	1.98%	2.50%	2.25%	3.43%	1.84%	1.48%	1.74%	0.62%	1.29%
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.58%	3.17%	3.36%	3.24%	3.08%	3.08%	2.13%	3.16%	3.19%	2.75%	2.95%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTSNX and FSENX in my portfolio?

VTSNX 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, VTSNX or FSENX?

FSENX has higher volatility (6.82%) compared to VTSNX (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTSNX dropped -35.72% vs FSENX's -76.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSENX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.66), 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.