CGIAX vs. FSSAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

CGIAX (American Funds International Growth and Income Fund) and FSSAX (Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - CGIAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by American Funds, while FSSAX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, CGIAX returned 9.94%/yr vs 12.96%/yr for FSSAX. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CGIAX charges 0.93%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for FSSAX.

Performance

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds International Growth and Income Fund (CGIAX) and Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGIAX achieves a 10.74% return, which is significantly lower than FSSAX's 12.50% return. Over the past 10 years, CGIAX has underperformed FSSAX with an annualized return of 9.94%, while FSSAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.96% annualized return.

CGIAX

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 10.72%
• 1Y: 25.49%
• 3Y*: 18.07%
• 5Y*: 8.21%
• 10Y*: 9.94%

FSSAX

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 12.50%
• 6M: 9.82%
• 1Y: 27.96%
• 3Y*: 16.60%
• 5Y*: 2.33%
• 10Y*: 12.96%

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

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CGIAX American Funds International Growth and Income Fund	10.74%	35.04%	3.26%	15.22%	-15.49%	9.79%	7.73%	27.06%	-14.45%	26.00%
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	12.50%	7.88%	13.02%	31.05%	-30.29%	-0.24%	41.68%	42.14%	-3.08%	21.32%

Correlation

The correlation between CGIAX and FSSAX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2008	0.69

The correlation between CGIAX and FSSAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CGIAX vs. FSSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGIAX

CGIAX Risk / Return Rank: 53
CGIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
CGIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
CGIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
CGIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
CGIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

FSSAX

FSSAX Risk / Return Rank: 37
FSSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
FSSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FSSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FSSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
FSSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds International Growth and Income Fund (CGIAX) and Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX). 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.

	CGIAX	FSSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.38	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.00	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.24	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.20	+0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.68	8.38	+0.30

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGIAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is higher than the FSSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGIAX and FSSAX, 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

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGIAX drawdown since its inception was -35.78%, smaller than the maximum FSSAX drawdown of -59.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGIAX and FSSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGIAX	FSSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.78%	-59.61%	+23.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.90%	-11.99%	+1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.58%	-29.48%	+16.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.93%	-42.58%	+12.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.78%	-42.80%	+7.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.57%	-0.33%	-2.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.91%	-14.71%	+6.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	3.14%	-0.22%

Volatility

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds International Growth and Income Fund (CGIAX) and Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (FSSAX) have volatilities of 5.77% and 5.99%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGIAX	FSSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.77%	5.99%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.24%	14.29%	-2.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.07%	19.17%	-5.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.78%	24.44%	-9.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.78%	23.94%	-8.16%

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGIAX has a 0.93% expense ratio, which is higher than FSSAX's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGIAX vs. FSSAX - Dividend Comparison

CGIAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.97%, more than FSSAX's 6.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGIAX American Funds International Growth and Income Fund	6.97%	8.13%	3.34%	2.27%	3.99%	6.90%	1.35%	2.36%	2.74%	1.80%	2.29%	3.17%
FSSAX Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	6.79%	7.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.54%	16.49%	9.31%	12.17%	22.72%	1.77%	0.00%	1.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGIAX and FSSAX in my portfolio?

CGIAX and FSSAX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGIAX or FSSAX?

FSSAX has higher volatility (5.99%) compared to CGIAX (5.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGIAX dropped -35.78% vs FSSAX's -59.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CGIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.38), 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.