VWILX vs. FSGEX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VWILX (Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares) and FSGEX (Fidelity Series Global ex U.S. Index Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VWILX returned 10.14%/yr vs 10.28%/yr for FSGEX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VWILX charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for FSGEX.

Performance

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWILX) and Fidelity Series Global ex U.S. Index Fund (FSGEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWILX achieves a 2.68% return, which is significantly lower than FSGEX's 13.01% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VWILX having a 10.14% annualized return and FSGEX not far ahead at 10.28%.

VWILX

• 1D: -2.81%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 2.68%
• 6M: 2.55%
• 1Y: 7.55%
• 3Y*: 11.57%
• 5Y*: -2.52%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

FSGEX

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 13.01%
• 6M: 13.01%
• 1Y: 28.30%
• 3Y*: 19.23%
• 5Y*: 8.57%
• 10Y*: 10.28%

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

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWILX Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares	2.68%	20.08%	9.18%	14.80%	-30.80%	-12.81%	59.77%	31.50%	-12.58%	43.17%
FSGEX Fidelity Series Global ex U.S. Index Fund	13.01%	32.99%	5.34%	15.56%	-15.75%	7.77%	10.75%	21.41%	-13.99%	27.47%

Correlation

The correlation between VWILX and FSGEX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2009	0.92

The correlation between VWILX and FSGEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VWILX vs. FSGEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWILX

VWILX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VWILX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VWILX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VWILX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VWILX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VWILX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

FSGEX

FSGEX Risk / Return Rank: 51
FSGEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FSGEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
FSGEX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FSGEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
FSGEX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWILX) and Fidelity Series Global ex U.S. Index Fund (FSGEX). 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.

	VWILX	FSGEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.54	1.92	-1.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.86	2.59	-1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.36	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.72	2.70	-1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.31	10.37	-8.06

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWILX Sharpe Ratio is 0.54, which is lower than the FSGEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWILX and FSGEX, 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

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWILX drawdown since its inception was -59.49%, which is greater than FSGEX's maximum drawdown of -34.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWILX and FSGEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWILX	FSGEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.49%	-34.74%	-24.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.06%	-11.24%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.02%	-13.34%	-6.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.56%	-29.44%	-24.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.08%	-34.74%	-19.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.52%	-2.87%	-14.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.09%	-8.42%	-6.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.40%	2.92%	+1.48%

Volatility

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWILX) and Fidelity Series Global ex U.S. Index Fund (FSGEX) have volatilities of 7.12% and 7.08%, 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

	VWILX	FSGEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.12%	7.08%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.72%	13.85%	+1.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.99%	15.82%	+3.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.60%	15.65%	+7.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.65%	16.12%	+5.53%

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWILX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than FSGEX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWILX vs. FSGEX - Dividend Comparison

VWILX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.71%, more than FSGEX's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSGEX Fidelity Series Global ex U.S. Index Fund	2.67%	3.02%	2.98%	2.90%	2.78%	2.59%	1.68%	2.10%	2.86%	2.48%	2.56%	2.61%
VWILX Vanguard International Growth Fund Admiral Shares	6.71%	6.89%	9.81%	1.92%	7.03%	0.36%	2.38%	1.30%	5.52%	0.84%	1.42%	1.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWILX and FSGEX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VWILX and FSGEX 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, VWILX or FSGEX?

VWILX has higher volatility (7.12%) compared to FSGEX (7.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWILX dropped -59.49% vs FSGEX's -34.74%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSGEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 0.54), 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.