VTWO vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VTWO (Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. VTWO is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. Over the past year, VTWO returned 40.11% vs 50.17% for FESM. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTWO charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

VTWO vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTWO achieves a 21.09% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 25.47% return.

VTWO

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: 21.09%
• 6M: 17.98%
• 1Y: 40.11%
• 3Y*: 19.67%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

FESM

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 5.53%
• YTD: 25.47%
• 6M: 22.61%
• 1Y: 50.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTWO vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	21.09%	12.90%	11.55%	13.10%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	25.47%	17.88%	16.22%	12.09%

Correlation

The correlation between VTWO and FESM is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2023	0.98

The correlation between VTWO and FESM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTWO vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTWO	FESM
Technology	19.1%	23.3%
Industrials	17.9%	18.5%
Healthcare	16.3%	16.1%
Financial Services	15.5%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	7.7%
Real Estate	5.9%	3.9%
Energy	5.3%	5.9%
Basic Materials	4.7%	4.0%
Utilities	2.8%	1.8%
Communication Services	2.5%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	1.1%

Return for Risk

VTWO vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTWO

VTWO Risk / Return Rank: 71
VTWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VTWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VTWO Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VTWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VTWO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 87
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

VTWO vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). 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.

	VTWO	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.59	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	3.45	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.42	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	4.95	-1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.00	17.83	-4.84

VTWO vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTWO Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTWO and FESM, 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

VTWO vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTWO drawdown since its inception was -41.19%, which is greater than FESM's maximum drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTWO and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTWO	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.19%	-26.93%	-14.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.99%	-10.18%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.57%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.88%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-0.08%	-0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.36%	-4.70%	-3.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	2.82%	+0.28%

Volatility

VTWO vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) have volatilities of 6.53% and 6.36%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTWO	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.53%	6.36%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.27%	14.10%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.65%	19.53%	+0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.56%	21.31%	+1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.11%	21.31%	+1.80%

VTWO vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTWO has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTWO vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

VTWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, more than FESM's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.72%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	1.09%	1.25%	1.21%	1.45%	1.48%	1.13%	0.92%	1.36%	1.41%	1.18%	1.27%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTWO and FESM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VTWO and FESM 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, VTWO or FESM?

VTWO has higher volatility (6.53%) compared to FESM (6.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTWO dropped -41.19% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, VTWO or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 50.17% vs 40.11% for VTWO. On fees, VTWO is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, FESM has been the lower-risk option at 6.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTWO or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 50.17% return vs 40.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTWO or FESM?

VTWO is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for FESM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTWO or FESM?

VTWO has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.72% for FESM.

What is the main difference between VTWO and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VTWO and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.05), 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.