XJR vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XJR (iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. XJR is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. Over the past year, XJR returned 32.21% vs 51.65% for FESM. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XJR charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

XJR vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XJR achieves a 19.44% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 24.59% return.

XJR

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 19.44%
• 6M: 17.14%
• 1Y: 32.21%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: 6.15%
• 10Y*: —

FESM

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: 24.59%
• 6M: 22.07%
• 1Y: 51.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XJR vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	19.44%	4.73%	9.59%	12.94%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	24.59%	17.88%	16.22%	12.09%

Correlation

The correlation between XJR and FESM is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2023	0.92

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

XJR vs. FESM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XJR	FESM
Financial Services	18.2%	14.6%
Technology	16.8%	23.3%
Industrials	15.5%	18.5%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	7.7%
Healthcare	10.7%	16.1%
Real Estate	7.6%	3.9%
Energy	4.7%	5.9%
Basic Materials	4.5%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	1.1%
Communication Services	2.5%	3.1%
Utilities	2.0%	1.8%

Return for Risk

XJR vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XJR

XJR Risk / Return Rank: 61
XJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
XJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XJR Omega Ratio Rank: 53
XJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
XJR Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 85
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

XJR vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). 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.

	XJR	FESM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.66	-0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	3.53	-0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.43	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	5.10	-1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	18.36	-7.24

XJR vs. FESM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XJR Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is lower than the FESM Sharpe Ratio of 2.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XJR and FESM, 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

XJR vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XJR drawdown since its inception was -27.14%, roughly equal to the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XJR and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XJR	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.14%	-26.93%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-10.18%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	-0.78%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.39%	-4.71%	-4.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	2.82%	+0.09%

Volatility

XJR vs. FESM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) is 5.13%, while Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) has a volatility of 6.38%. This indicates that XJR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FESM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XJR	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	6.38%	-1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.61%	14.11%	-1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	19.54%	-1.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.44%	21.32%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.70%	21.32%	+0.38%

XJR vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

XJR has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

XJR vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

XJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, more than FESM's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.73%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	0.96%	1.14%	1.96%	0.92%	1.29%	2.00%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XJR and FESM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, XJR and FESM 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, XJR or FESM?

FESM has higher volatility (6.38%) compared to XJR (5.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XJR dropped -27.14% vs FESM's -26.93%.

Which ETF is better, XJR or FESM?

On 1-year performance, FESM leads with 51.65% vs 32.21% for XJR. On fees, XJR is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, XJR has been the lower-risk option at 5.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XJR or FESM?

Over the 1-year period, FESM has performed better with a 51.65% return vs 32.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XJR or FESM?

XJR is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for FESM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XJR or FESM?

XJR has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.73% for FESM.

What is the main difference between XJR and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for XJR and 0.28% for FESM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FESM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 1.80), 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.