FESM vs VTI
FESM vs VTI
Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FESM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FESM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 625 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.58% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.36% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 20, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
FESM vs VTI Performance
Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap Core ETF (FESM) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FESM returned +47.36% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FESM is up 27.58% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FESM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.9% for FESM and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FESM charges 0.28% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $3 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FESM currently yields 0.71% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FESM and VTI share 428 holdings out of 2938 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FESM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE | 1.32% | 0.11% | 1.21% |
| FN | 1.14% | 0.03% | 1.11% |
| GH | 0.87% | 0.03% | 0.84% |
| CRDO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CDE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FSLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CRC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ANF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EWBC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FESM shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FESM or VTI?
FESM has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FESM or VTI?
Over the past year FESM returned +47.36% vs +24.16% for VTI, so FESM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FESM annualized +28.52% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FESM or VTI?
FESM has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FESM -26.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FESM and VTI?
FESM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FESM and VTI?
FESM and VTI share 428 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2938 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FESM or VTI?
FESM yields 0.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.