VXUS vs. FMED

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and FMED (Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while FMED is a Health & Biotech Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity. VXUS is passively managed, while FMED is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VXUS returned 18.53%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for FMED. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for FMED.

Performance

VXUS vs. FMED - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 15.42% return, which is significantly higher than FMED's -4.75% return.

VXUS

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 4.66%
• YTD: 15.42%
• 6M: 16.87%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

FMED

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 7.10%
• YTD: -4.75%
• 6M: -6.17%
• 1Y: 8.53%
• 3Y*: 0.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VXUS vs. FMED - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.42%	32.35%	5.08%	6.25%
FMED Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF	-4.75%	9.69%	2.29%	-3.59%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and FMED is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2023	0.57

The correlation between VXUS and FMED has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXUS vs. FMED - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	FMED
Financial Services	22.3%	-
Technology	18.1%	0.9%
Industrials	16.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	-
Basic Materials	7.6%	-
Healthcare	7.1%	97.1%
Energy	5.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	-
Communication Services	4.4%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Real Estate	2.6%	-

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. FMED — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

FMED

FMED Risk / Return Rank: 15
FMED Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
FMED Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FMED Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FMED Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
FMED Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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. FMED - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF (FMED). 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	FMED	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	0.44	+1.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	0.79	+1.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.09	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	0.47	+2.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.00	1.03	+9.96

VXUS vs. FMED - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is higher than the FMED Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and FMED, 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. FMED - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, which is greater than FMED's maximum drawdown of -21.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and FMED.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	FMED	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-21.84%	-14.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-18.33%	+7.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-21.84%	+8.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-10.64%	+10.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.20%	-7.09%	-1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	8.27%	-5.34%

Volatility

VXUS vs. FMED - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is 6.87%, while Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF (FMED) has a volatility of 7.50%. This indicates that VXUS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FMED based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	FMED	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.87%	7.50%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.09%	15.01%	-0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.11%	19.37%	-3.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	18.57%	-2.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.21%	18.57%	-1.36%

VXUS vs. FMED - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than FMED's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXUS vs. FMED - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, while FMED has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FMED Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.63%	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 FMED in my portfolio?

VXUS and FMED have a correlation of 0.55, 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 FMED?

FMED has higher volatility (7.50%) compared to VXUS (6.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs FMED's -21.84%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or FMED?

On 3-year performance, VXUS leads with 18.53% vs 0.73% for FMED. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 6.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or FMED?

Over the 3-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 18.53% return vs 0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or FMED?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for FMED.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VXUS or FMED?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 0.00% for FMED.

What is the main difference between VXUS and FMED?

VXUS is categorized as Global Equities, while FMED is Health & Biotech Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.50% for FMED.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 0.44), 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.