FKDNX vs. VPMCX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FKDNX (Franklin DynaTech Fund) and VPMCX (Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, FKDNX returned 18.15%/yr vs 18.19%/yr for VPMCX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FKDNX charges 0.77%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for VPMCX.

Performance

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin DynaTech Fund (FKDNX) and Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares (VPMCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FKDNX achieves a 6.36% return, which is significantly lower than VPMCX's 25.45% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FKDNX having a 18.15% annualized return and VPMCX not far ahead at 18.19%.

FKDNX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -3.15%
• YTD: 6.36%
• 6M: 4.28%
• 1Y: 18.68%
• 3Y*: 22.63%
• 5Y*: 7.75%
• 10Y*: 18.15%

VPMCX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 25.45%
• 6M: 23.99%
• 1Y: 53.98%
• 3Y*: 27.21%
• 5Y*: 15.66%
• 10Y*: 18.19%

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

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FKDNX Franklin DynaTech Fund	6.36%	18.59%	30.57%	44.42%	-40.30%	12.53%	57.68%	36.36%	2.85%	39.29%
VPMCX Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares	25.45%	29.60%	13.23%	28.16%	-15.22%	21.64%	17.16%	27.78%	-1.99%	28.17%

Correlation

The correlation between FKDNX and VPMCX is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 1984	0.85

The correlation between FKDNX and VPMCX shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.85 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FKDNX vs. VPMCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FKDNX

FKDNX Risk / Return Rank: 14
FKDNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
FKDNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
FKDNX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FKDNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
FKDNX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VPMCX

VPMCX Risk / Return Rank: 93
VPMCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
VPMCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VPMCX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VPMCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VPMCX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin DynaTech Fund (FKDNX) and Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares (VPMCX). 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.

	FKDNX	VPMCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	3.04	-2.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.25	3.99	-2.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.54	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.93	4.62	-3.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.85	20.83	-17.98

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKDNX Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is lower than the VPMCX Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKDNX and VPMCX, 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

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FKDNX drawdown since its inception was -51.63%, roughly equal to the maximum VPMCX drawdown of -50.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKDNX and VPMCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKDNX	VPMCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.63%	-50.45%	-1.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.49%	-11.73%	-8.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.23%	-20.56%	-5.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.28%	-25.25%	-23.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.28%	-32.65%	-15.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.29%	-3.31%	-2.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.25%	-7.40%	-3.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.69%	2.60%	+4.09%

Volatility

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin DynaTech Fund (FKDNX) has a higher volatility of 9.72% compared to Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares (VPMCX) at 9.14%. This indicates that FKDNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPMCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FKDNX	VPMCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.72%	9.14%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.79%	15.07%	+2.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.17%	17.89%	+4.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.47%	18.60%	+7.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.73%	19.31%	+5.42%

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FKDNX has a 0.77% expense ratio, which is higher than VPMCX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FKDNX vs. VPMCX - Dividend Comparison

FKDNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.50%, less than VPMCX's 13.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKDNX Franklin DynaTech Fund	10.50%	11.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.43%	0.00%	0.74%	2.92%	1.77%	3.55%	2.46%
VPMCX Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares	13.04%	16.36%	6.62%	7.16%	9.85%	10.08%	9.74%	7.15%	8.32%	4.53%	5.05%	5.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FKDNX and VPMCX in my portfolio?

FKDNX and VPMCX have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FKDNX or VPMCX?

FKDNX has higher volatility (9.72%) compared to VPMCX (9.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKDNX dropped -51.63% vs VPMCX's -50.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPMCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 0.86), 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.