VXF vs. FFSM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) and FFSM (Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. VXF is passively managed, while FFSM is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VXF returned 5.93%/yr vs 10.98%/yr for FFSM. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VXF charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FFSM.

Performance

VXF vs. FFSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) and Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXF achieves a 14.74% return, which is significantly lower than FFSM's 22.47% return.

VXF

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 3.63%
• YTD: 14.74%
• 6M: 12.24%
• 1Y: 26.60%
• 3Y*: 20.00%
• 5Y*: 5.93%
• 10Y*: 12.55%

FFSM

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 5.51%
• YTD: 22.47%
• 6M: 19.44%
• 1Y: 39.96%
• 3Y*: 22.39%
• 5Y*: 10.98%
• 10Y*: —

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

VXF vs. FFSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	14.74%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	4.93%
FFSM Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF	22.47%	14.89%	14.38%	17.30%	-16.35%	20.44%

Correlation

The correlation between VXF and FFSM is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2021	0.93

The correlation between VXF and FFSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXF vs. FFSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXF	FFSM
Technology	22.8%	14.0%
Industrials	19.3%	29.5%
Financial Services	14.0%	22.7%
Healthcare	12.9%	9.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	12.2%
Real Estate	5.8%	0.0%
Energy	4.4%	2.2%
Basic Materials	4.2%	6.2%
Communication Services	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	2.3%
Utilities	1.9%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VXF vs. FFSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 51
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 58

FFSM

FFSM Risk / Return Rank: 78
FFSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FFSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
FFSM Omega Ratio Rank: 71
FFSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FFSM Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

VXF vs. FFSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) and Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM). 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.

	VXF	FFSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	2.16	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	3.01	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.37	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	3.87	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.21	15.58	-6.37

VXF vs. FFSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the FFSM Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXF and FFSM, 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

VXF vs. FFSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXF drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, which is greater than FFSM's maximum drawdown of -26.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXF and FFSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXF	FFSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-26.65%	-31.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.21%	-10.37%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.92%	-24.78%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.39%	-26.65%	-9.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-0.87%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.53%	-7.78%	-1.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	2.57%	+0.33%

Volatility

VXF vs. FFSM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) and Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM) have volatilities of 6.13% and 6.37%, 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

	VXF	FFSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.13%	6.37%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.23%	14.65%	-1.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.81%	18.63%	-0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.43%	20.76%	+1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.30%	20.61%	+1.69%

VXF vs. FFSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXF has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than FFSM's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXF vs. FFSM - Dividend Comparison

VXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, more than FFSM's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FFSM Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.43%	0.56%	0.62%	0.56%	0.58%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.01%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXF and FFSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, VXF and FFSM 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, VXF or FFSM?

FFSM has higher volatility (6.37%) compared to VXF (6.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXF dropped -58.03% vs FFSM's -26.65%.

Which ETF is better, VXF or FFSM?

On 5-year performance, FFSM leads with 10.98% vs 5.93% for VXF. On fees, VXF is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXF has been the lower-risk option at 6.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXF or FFSM?

Over the 5-year period, FFSM has performed better with a 10.98% return vs 5.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXF or FFSM?

VXF is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for FFSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VXF or FFSM?

VXF has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.43% for FFSM.

What is the main difference between VXF and FFSM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXF and 0.43% for FFSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FFSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.50), 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.