VXUS vs. FISMX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and FISMX (Fidelity International Small Cap Fund) are both funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while FISMX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, VXUS returned 10.22%/yr vs 9.03%/yr for FISMX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for FISMX.

Performance

VXUS vs. FISMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Fidelity International Small Cap Fund (FISMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 13.69% return, which is significantly higher than FISMX's 8.75% return. Over the past 10 years, VXUS has outperformed FISMX with an annualized return of 10.22%, while FISMX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.03% annualized return.

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 28.39%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

FISMX

• 1D: 2.56%
• 1M: -1.31%
• YTD: 8.75%
• 6M: 10.42%
• 1Y: 15.32%
• 3Y*: 13.58%
• 5Y*: 5.98%
• 10Y*: 9.03%

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

VXUS vs. FISMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%
FISMX Fidelity International Small Cap Fund	8.75%	24.73%	0.05%	19.62%	-16.66%	13.44%	9.98%	21.45%	-16.08%	31.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and FISMX 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	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.87

The correlation between VXUS and FISMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. FISMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

FISMX

FISMX Risk / Return Rank: 29
FISMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
FISMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
FISMX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
FISMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
FISMX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

VXUS vs. FISMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Fidelity International Small Cap Fund (FISMX). 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.

	VXUS	FISMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.24	+0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.82	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.23	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	1.48	+1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.72	5.19	+4.53

VXUS vs. FISMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is higher than the FISMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and FISMX, 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

VXUS vs. FISMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum FISMX drawdown of -60.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and FISMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	FISMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-60.94%	+24.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-10.71%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-12.70%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-31.07%	+1.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-38.80%	+2.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-2.37%	+0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-10.63%	+2.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	3.04%	-0.11%

Volatility

VXUS vs. FISMX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a higher volatility of 6.71% compared to Fidelity International Small Cap Fund (FISMX) at 4.94%. This indicates that VXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FISMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	FISMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.71%	4.94%	+1.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.02%	10.81%	+3.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.09%	12.78%	+3.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	13.67%	+2.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	14.08%	+3.12%

VXUS vs. FISMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than FISMX's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXUS vs. FISMX - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, less than FISMX's 3.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FISMX Fidelity International Small Cap Fund	3.29%	3.58%	2.64%	1.87%	0.70%	7.28%	0.83%	2.32%	6.14%	2.46%	2.70%	2.80%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXUS and FISMX in my portfolio?

VXUS and FISMX 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, VXUS or FISMX?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to FISMX (4.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs FISMX's -60.94%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.24), 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.