VTV vs. FSMD

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) and FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, while FSMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VTV returned 12.12%/yr vs 10.41%/yr for FSMD. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTV charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for FSMD.

Performance

VTV vs. FSMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTV achieves a 14.90% return, which is significantly lower than FSMD's 18.15% return.

VTV

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 5.60%
• YTD: 14.90%
• 6M: 14.16%
• 1Y: 28.57%
• 3Y*: 18.04%
• 5Y*: 12.12%
• 10Y*: 12.81%

FSMD

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 6.83%
• YTD: 18.15%
• 6M: 16.30%
• 1Y: 30.28%
• 3Y*: 17.72%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: —

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

VTV vs. FSMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	14.90%	15.27%	15.95%	9.32%	-2.09%	26.53%	2.33%	13.83%
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	18.15%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	8.94%	8.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VTV and FSMD is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2019	0.86

The correlation between VTV and FSMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTV vs. FSMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTV	FSMD
Financial Services	22.3%	14.8%
Healthcare	14.5%	11.7%
Industrials	14.0%	20.1%
Technology	13.4%	20.5%
Consumer Defensive	9.4%	3.1%
Energy	8.1%	4.1%
Utilities	5.2%	2.1%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	10.6%
Communication Services	3.3%	2.9%
Basic Materials	3.1%	4.0%
Real Estate	2.8%	6.2%

Return for Risk

VTV vs. FSMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTV

VTV Risk / Return Rank: 89
VTV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VTV Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VTV Omega Ratio Rank: 89
VTV Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
VTV Martin Ratio Rank: 88

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 69
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

VTV vs. FSMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). 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.

	VTV	FSMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	1.95	+0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.94	2.80	+1.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.34	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.52	3.61	+0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.04	12.98	+4.06

VTV vs. FSMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTV Sharpe Ratio is 2.78, which is higher than the FSMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTV and FSMD, 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

VTV vs. FSMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTV drawdown since its inception was -59.27%, which is greater than FSMD's maximum drawdown of -40.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTV and FSMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTV	FSMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.27%	-40.67%	-18.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.35%	-8.44%	+2.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.52%	-22.16%	+7.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.04%	-22.16%	+5.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.78%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.86%	-5.98%	-1.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.68%	2.34%	-0.66%

Volatility

VTV vs. FSMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) is 3.35%, while Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) has a volatility of 5.15%. This indicates that VTV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTV	FSMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	5.15%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.80%	11.81%	-4.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.36%	15.64%	-5.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.93%	18.55%	-4.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.69%	21.42%	-4.73%

VTV vs. FSMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTV has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than FSMD's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTV vs. FSMD - Dividend Comparison

VTV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.82%, more than FSMD's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	1.82%	2.05%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.56%	2.50%	2.73%	2.29%	2.44%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTV and FSMD in my portfolio?

VTV and FSMD have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTV or FSMD?

FSMD has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to VTV (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTV dropped -59.27% vs FSMD's -40.67%.

Which ETF is better, VTV or FSMD?

On 5-year performance, VTV leads with 12.12% vs 10.41% for FSMD. On fees, VTV is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VTV has been the lower-risk option at 3.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTV or FSMD?

Over the 5-year period, VTV has performed better with a 12.12% return vs 10.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTV or FSMD?

VTV is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for FSMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTV or FSMD?

VTV has the higher dividend yield at 1.82%, compared with 1.18% for FSMD.

What is the main difference between VTV and FSMD?

VTV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while FSMD is Small Cap Growth Equities. VTV tracks CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, while FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VTV and 0.29% for FSMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 1.95), 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.