VUG vs. FSPSX

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and FSPSX (Fidelity International Index Fund) are both funds - VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, while FSPSX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VUG returned 18.30%/yr vs 10.05%/yr for FSPSX. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for FSPSX.

Performance

VUG vs. FSPSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUG achieves a 7.94% return, which is significantly lower than FSPSX's 9.52% return. Over the past 10 years, VUG has outperformed FSPSX with an annualized return of 18.30%, while FSPSX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.05% annualized return.

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

FSPSX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 3.21%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 6M: 10.37%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 16.55%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

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

VUG vs. FSPSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%
FSPSX Fidelity International Index Fund	9.52%	31.98%	3.70%	18.31%	-14.23%	11.45%	8.16%	22.03%	-13.55%	25.37%

Correlation

The correlation between VUG and FSPSX is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2011	0.69

The correlation between VUG and FSPSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VUG vs. FSPSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

FSPSX

FSPSX Risk / Return Rank: 30
FSPSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
FSPSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FSPSX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FSPSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
FSPSX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

VUG vs. FSPSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX). 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.

	VUG	FSPSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.35	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	1.95	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.25	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	1.82	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	6.79	-1.29

VUG vs. FSPSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the FSPSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUG and FSPSX, 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

VUG vs. FSPSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUG drawdown since its inception was -50.68%, which is greater than FSPSX's maximum drawdown of -33.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUG and FSPSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUG	FSPSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.68%	-33.69%	-16.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-11.39%	-5.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-13.58%	-9.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	-29.41%	-6.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	-33.69%	-1.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.90%	-0.43%	-2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-6.54%	-0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.79%	3.05%	+1.74%

Volatility

VUG vs. FSPSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a higher volatility of 6.32% compared to Fidelity International Index Fund (FSPSX) at 5.21%. This indicates that VUG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSPSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUG	FSPSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.32%	5.21%	+1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.28%	12.71%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	15.37%	+1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.34%	16.08%	+6.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.51%	16.57%	+4.94%

VUG vs. FSPSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than FSPSX's 0.04% 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

VUG vs. FSPSX - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than FSPSX's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSPSX Fidelity International Index Fund	2.88%	3.15%	3.27%	2.79%	2.66%	3.07%	1.84%	3.18%	2.79%	2.50%	3.08%	2.79%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUG and FSPSX in my portfolio?

VUG and FSPSX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUG or FSPSX?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to FSPSX (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUG dropped -50.68% vs FSPSX's -33.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.35), 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.