FFSM vs VXUS
Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FFSM or VXUS?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FFSM led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FFSM | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.5B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 222 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +10.65% | +13.44%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.94% | +21.98%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.96% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.23% | +9.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,850 | $15,499Best |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 2, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 4, 2021 to Sep 25, 2026 (5.6 years).
FFSM vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.6 years both funds cover.
FFSM vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM) is an ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FFSM returned +19.94% while VXUS returned +21.98%. Year to date, FFSM is up 10.65% versus a gain of 13.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, FFSM compounded at +18.96% per year against +20.89% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.23% and +9.16% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FFSM has the edge at +10.24% annualized vs +9.11%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 14.5% for VXUS. 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 -26.6% for FFSM and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFSM charges 0.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $5 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFSM currently yields 0.44% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.3% of FFSM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FFSM and VXUS share little of their money.
7 positions in common, counted across the 213 positions we hold weights for in FFSM and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 222 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FFSM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMGScotts Miracle-Gro Company | 0.53% | 0.00% | 0.53% |
| CIGI:CAColliers International Group Inc.(cigi) | 0.50% | 0.01% | 0.49% |
| SIG:LNSignet Jewelers Limited Common Shares | 0.46% | 0.02% | 0.44% |
| BIPCBrookfield Infrastructure Corporation Class A Ordinary Shares - Subordinate Voting Shares | 0.39% | 0.01% | 0.38% |
| TFPM:CATriple Flag Precious Met Common Stock | 0.22% | 0.00% | 0.22% |
| ARGX:ASArgenx Se Sponsored Adr (1 Ads : 1 Ordinary) | 0.08% | 0.12% | 0.04% |
| NVMI:ILNova Ltd. Ordinary Shares | 0.15% | 0.03% | 0.12% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FFSM and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFSM or VXUS?
FFSM has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $38 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FFSM or VXUS?
Over the past year FFSM returned +19.94% vs +21.98% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FFSM annualized +10.24% vs +9.11% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FFSM or VXUS?
FFSM has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.5% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FFSM -26.6% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both FFSM and VXUS?
FFSM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FFSM and VXUS?
At least 2.3% of FFSM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 213 positions we hold weights for in FFSM and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFSM or VXUS?
FFSM yields 0.44% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FFSM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FFSM led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.