FDYNX vs. VIGAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FDYNX (Franklin DynaTech Fund Class C) and VIGAX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FDYNX is actively managed, while VIGAX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDYNX returned 17.68%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VIGAX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDYNX charges 1.52%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VIGAX.

Performance

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin DynaTech Fund Class C (FDYNX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDYNX achieves a 9.79% return, which is significantly higher than VIGAX's 5.74% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FDYNX having a 17.68% annualized return and VIGAX not far ahead at 18.26%.

FDYNX

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 1.51%
• YTD: 9.79%
• 6M: 7.79%
• 1Y: 24.73%
• 3Y*: 23.18%
• 5Y*: 7.82%
• 10Y*: 17.68%

VIGAX

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -1.90%
• YTD: 5.74%
• 6M: 4.44%
• 1Y: 22.59%
• 3Y*: 23.61%
• 5Y*: 13.38%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDYNX Franklin DynaTech Fund Class C	9.79%	17.74%	29.60%	43.35%	-40.76%	11.67%	56.51%	35.33%	2.09%	38.25%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.74%	19.43%	32.67%	46.76%	-33.14%	27.26%	40.18%	37.23%	-3.35%	27.80%

Correlation

The correlation between FDYNX and VIGAX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.94

The correlation between FDYNX and VIGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FDYNX vs. VIGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDYNX

FDYNX Risk / Return Rank: 18
FDYNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FDYNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
FDYNX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
FDYNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
FDYNX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VIGAX

VIGAX Risk / Return Rank: 24
VIGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VIGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VIGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VIGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VIGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin DynaTech Fund Class C (FDYNX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). 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.

	FDYNX	VIGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.43	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	1.97	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.27	1.46	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.88	5.01	-1.13

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDYNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the VIGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDYNX and VIGAX, 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

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDYNX drawdown since its inception was -52.51%, roughly equal to the maximum VIGAX drawdown of -50.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDYNX and VIGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDYNX	VIGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.51%	-50.66%	-1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.72%	-16.51%	-4.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.35%	-23.04%	-3.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.64%	-35.63%	-13.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.64%	-35.63%	-13.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.96%	-4.85%	+1.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.28%	-11.94%	-2.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.77%	4.80%	+1.97%

Volatility

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin DynaTech Fund Class C (FDYNX) has a higher volatility of 9.04% compared to Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) at 6.58%. This indicates that FDYNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDYNX	VIGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.04%	6.58%	+2.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.58%	13.37%	+4.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.95%	16.89%	+5.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.43%	22.49%	+3.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.75%	21.67%	+3.08%

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDYNX has a 1.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VIGAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDYNX vs. VIGAX - Dividend Comparison

FDYNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.34%, more than VIGAX's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDYNX Franklin DynaTech Fund Class C	13.34%	14.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.76%	0.00%	0.90%	3.51%	2.10%	4.16%	2.85%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.38%	0.40%	0.46%	0.57%	0.69%	0.47%	0.66%	0.94%	1.31%	1.14%	1.39%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDYNX and VIGAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FDYNX and VIGAX 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, FDYNX or VIGAX?

FDYNX has higher volatility (9.04%) compared to VIGAX (6.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDYNX dropped -52.51% vs VIGAX's -50.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 1.20), 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.