FKGRX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FKGRX (Franklin Growth Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FKGRX returned 14.16%/yr vs 18.40%/yr for VUG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FKGRX charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FKGRX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Growth Fund (FKGRX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FKGRX achieves a 7.40% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 10.86% return. Over the past 10 years, FKGRX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 14.16%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.40% annualized return.

FKGRX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 7.40%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: 21.14%
• 3Y*: 17.89%
• 5Y*: 9.74%
• 10Y*: 14.16%

VUG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 7.37%
• YTD: 10.86%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 30.39%
• 3Y*: 26.46%
• 5Y*: 15.71%
• 10Y*: 18.40%

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

FKGRX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FKGRX Franklin Growth Fund	7.40%	15.38%	17.96%	27.54%	-25.32%	21.61%	30.71%	32.08%	-3.37%	26.31%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	10.86%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between FKGRX and VUG is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.95

The correlation between FKGRX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FKGRX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FKGRX

FKGRX Risk / Return Rank: 30
FKGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
FKGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
FKGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
FKGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
FKGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 49
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

FKGRX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Growth Fund (FKGRX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	FKGRX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.93	-0.28
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.60	-0.28
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.34	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.87	1.90	-0.03
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.63	6.65	+0.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FKGRX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKGRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKGRX and VUG, 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

	FKGRX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.66	1.93	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.71	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73	0.86	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	0.62	+0.09

Drawdowns

FKGRX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FKGRX drawdown since its inception was -51.08%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKGRX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKGRX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.08%	-50.68%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-16.53%	+5.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.72%	-22.85%	+1.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-35.61%	+3.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.52%	-35.61%	+3.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.28%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.74%	-7.09%	+0.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	4.71%	-1.90%

Volatility

FKGRX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin Growth Fund (FKGRX) is 3.08%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.52%. This indicates that FKGRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FKGRX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.08%	3.52%	-0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.11%	12.05%	-1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.99%	15.80%	-2.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.59%	22.22%	-2.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.53%	21.44%	-1.91%

FKGRX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FKGRX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FKGRX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FKGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.38%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKGRX Franklin Growth Fund	13.38%	14.37%	8.34%	6.26%	10.49%	9.19%	7.97%	5.75%	1.65%	2.38%	3.26%	3.88%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FKGRX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FKGRX and VUG 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, FKGRX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.52%) compared to FKGRX (3.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKGRX dropped -51.08% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.66), 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.