FKRCX vs. GDX
FKRCX (Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. Over the past 10 years, FKRCX returned 11.52%/yr vs 10.07%/yr for GDX. Their correlation of 0.92 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FKRCX charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.
Performance
FKRCX vs. GDX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FKRCX achieves a -10.16% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -13.61% return. Over the past 10 years, FKRCX has outperformed GDX with an annualized return of 11.52%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.07% annualized return.
FKRCX
- 1D
- 3.29%
- 1M
- -4.25%
- 6M
- -18.81%
- YTD
- -10.16%
- 1Y
- 65.72%
- 3Y*
- 45.65%
- 5Y*
- 19.47%
- 10Y*
- 11.52%
- ALL TIME*
- 6.74%
GDX
- 1D
- -3.49%
- 1M
- -5.52%
- 6M
- -21.34%
- YTD
- -13.61%
- 1Y
- 42.30%
- 3Y*
- 36.42%
- 5Y*
- 17.86%
- 10Y*
- 10.07%
- ALL TIME*
- 4.56%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $1.26B | $1.34B | $1.78B |
FKRCX vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund | -10.16% | 196.59% | 17.64% | 2.03% | -23.47% | -4.03% | 44.30% | 51.48% | -18.11% | -0.12% |
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF | -13.61% | 154.77% | 10.63% | 9.98% | -9.01% | -9.52% | 23.66% | 39.84% | -8.77% | 11.99% |
Correlation
The correlation between FKRCX and GDX is 0.94, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.94 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.91 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.92 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.92 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 2006 | 0.92 |
The correlation between FKRCX and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
FKRCX vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank
FKRCX
GDX
FKRCX vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.
| FKRCX | GDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.52 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.49 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.18 | +0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.77 | 1.15 | +0.62 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.96 | 2.48 | +1.48 |
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Drawdowns
FKRCX vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FKRCX drawdown since its inception was -78.85%, roughly equal to the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKRCX and GDX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FKRCX | GDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -78.85% | -80.34% | +1.49% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -37.40% | -38.93% | +1.53% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -37.40% | -38.93% | +1.53% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -48.79% | -46.51% | -2.28% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -49.54% | -49.79% | +0.25% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -33.23% | -36.03% | +2.80% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -33.73% | -40.37% | +6.64% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 16.69% | 17.97% | -1.28% |
Volatility
FKRCX vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) have volatilities of 13.21% and 12.73%, 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
| FKRCX | GDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 13.21% | 12.73% | +0.48% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 38.56% | 39.94% | -1.38% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 45.97% | 48.49% | -2.52% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 34.78% | 37.23% | -2.45% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 33.22% | 37.34% | -4.12% |
FKRCX vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison
FKRCX has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.
Dividends
FKRCX vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison
FKRCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.96%, more than GDX's 0.85% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund | 11.96% | 10.75% | 13.44% | 3.12% | 0.00% | 9.37% | 10.55% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.37% | 8.73% | 0.00% |
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF | 0.85% | 0.74% | 1.19% | 1.61% | 1.66% | 1.67% | 0.53% | 0.67% | 0.50% | 0.76% | 0.26% | 0.85% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.94, FKRCX and GDX 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.
FKRCX has higher volatility (13.21%) compared to GDX (12.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKRCX dropped -78.85% vs GDX's -80.34%.
FKRCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 0.92), 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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