FGADX vs. USERX
FGADX (Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund Advisor Class) and USERX (U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund) are both Gold funds. Over the past 10 years, FGADX returned 11.79%/yr vs 11.65%/yr for USERX. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FGADX charges 0.62%/yr vs 1.52%/yr for USERX.
Performance
FGADX vs. USERX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FGADX achieves a -10.04% return, which is significantly lower than USERX's -8.61% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FGADX having a 11.79% annualized return and USERX not far behind at 11.65%.
FGADX
- 1D
- 3.30%
- 1M
- -4.24%
- 6M
- -18.71%
- YTD
- -10.04%
- 1Y
- 66.07%
- 3Y*
- 45.99%
- 5Y*
- 19.78%
- 10Y*
- 11.79%
- ALL TIME*
- 7.92%
USERX
- 1D
- 4.13%
- 1M
- -3.28%
- 6M
- -19.24%
- YTD
- -8.61%
- 1Y
- 59.57%
- 3Y*
- 41.65%
- 5Y*
- 16.99%
- 10Y*
- 11.65%
- ALL TIME*
- -0.02%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
FGADX vs. USERX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FGADX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund Advisor Class | -10.04% | 197.29% | 17.98% | 2.20% | -23.24% | -3.76% | 44.60% | 51.87% | -17.89% | 0.06% |
USERX U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund | -8.61% | 167.44% | 16.75% | 1.44% | -17.44% | -10.80% | 37.16% | 51.34% | -14.24% | 13.07% |
Correlation
The correlation between FGADX and USERX is 0.97 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.97 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.95 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.96 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.94 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 1996 | 0.91 |
The correlation between FGADX and USERX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
FGADX vs. USERX — Risk / Return Rank
FGADX
USERX
FGADX vs. USERX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund Advisor Class (FGADX) and U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund (USERX). 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.
| FGADX | USERX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.19 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.19 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.23 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.79 | 1.60 | +0.19 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.99 | 3.35 | +0.65 |
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Drawdowns
FGADX vs. USERX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FGADX drawdown since its inception was -78.57%, smaller than the maximum USERX drawdown of -97.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGADX and USERX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FGADX | USERX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -78.57% | -97.74% | +19.17% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -37.34% | -37.89% | +0.55% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -37.34% | -37.89% | +0.55% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -48.77% | -40.91% | -7.86% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -49.27% | -43.45% | -5.82% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -33.16% | -50.03% | +16.87% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -34.69% | -74.95% | +40.26% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 16.67% | 18.04% | -1.37% |
Volatility
FGADX vs. USERX - Volatility Comparison
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund Advisor Class (FGADX) and U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund (USERX) have volatilities of 13.23% and 12.63%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| FGADX | USERX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 13.23% | 12.63% | +0.60% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 38.56% | 39.89% | -1.33% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 45.97% | 47.92% | -1.95% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 34.65% | 34.12% | +0.53% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 33.15% | 34.29% | -1.14% |
FGADX vs. USERX - Expense Ratio Comparison
FGADX has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is lower than USERX's 1.52% expense ratio.
Dividends
FGADX vs. USERX - Dividend Comparison
FGADX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.91%, more than USERX's 6.35% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FGADX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund Advisor Class | 10.91% | 9.81% | 12.51% | 3.09% | 0.00% | 8.83% | 10.06% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.62% | 8.38% | 0.00% |
USERX U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund | 6.35% | 2.95% | 1.48% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 2.13% | 2.68% | 0.00% | 1.76% | 0.00% | 0.88% | 0.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.97, FGADX and USERX 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.
FGADX has higher volatility (13.23%) compared to USERX (12.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGADX dropped -78.57% vs USERX's -97.74%.
FGADX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 1.27), 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.
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