FDTRX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FDTRX (Franklin DynaTech Fund Class R6) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - FDTRX is a Technology Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while VSMAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, FDTRX returned 18.67%/yr vs 11.29%/yr for VSMAX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDTRX charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin DynaTech Fund Class R6 (FDTRX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDTRX achieves a 12.36% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 14.16% return. Over the past 10 years, FDTRX has outperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 18.67%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.29% annualized return.

FDTRX

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: 5.69%
• YTD: 12.36%
• 6M: 10.72%
• 1Y: 28.69%
• 3Y*: 25.78%
• 5Y*: 11.07%
• 10Y*: 18.67%

VSMAX

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 2.34%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 13.54%
• 1Y: 28.90%
• 3Y*: 17.04%
• 5Y*: 7.10%
• 10Y*: 11.29%

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

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDTRX Franklin DynaTech Fund Class R6	12.36%	18.97%	31.01%	44.92%	-40.07%	12.90%	58.22%	36.84%	3.22%	39.87%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.16%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between FDTRX and VSMAX is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2013	0.74

The correlation between FDTRX and VSMAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FDTRX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDTRX

FDTRX Risk / Return Rank: 21
FDTRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FDTRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FDTRX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FDTRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
FDTRX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin DynaTech Fund Class R6 (FDTRX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). 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.

	FDTRX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.78	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	2.55	-0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.31	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	3.22	-1.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.56	11.89	-7.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDTRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDTRX and VSMAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FDTRX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46	1.78	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.34	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76	0.53	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.39	+0.36

Drawdowns

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDTRX drawdown since its inception was -48.10%, smaller than the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDTRX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDTRX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.10%	-59.68%	+11.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.39%	-8.97%	-11.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.19%	-25.25%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.10%	-28.14%	-19.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.10%	-41.82%	-6.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-0.68%	-0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.14%	-9.69%	+0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.52%	2.43%	+4.09%

Volatility

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin DynaTech Fund Class R6 (FDTRX) has a higher volatility of 4.99% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) at 4.43%. This indicates that FDTRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDTRX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.99%	4.43%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.86%	11.72%	+4.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.41%	16.29%	+4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.21%	20.71%	+5.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.61%	21.56%	+3.05%

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDTRX has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDTRX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

FDTRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.24%, more than VSMAX's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDTRX Franklin DynaTech Fund Class R6	9.24%	10.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.36%	0.00%	0.71%	2.80%	1.71%	3.44%	2.40%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDTRX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

FDTRX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDTRX or VSMAX?

FDTRX has higher volatility (4.99%) compared to VSMAX (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDTRX dropped -48.10% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.46), 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.