FKRCX vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FKRCX (Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both funds - FKRCX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Over the past 10 years, FKRCX returned 15.83%/yr vs 14.38%/yr for GDX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FKRCX charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

FKRCX vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FKRCX achieves a 5.59% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's 2.66% return. Over the past 10 years, FKRCX has outperformed GDX with an annualized return of 15.83%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively lower 14.38% annualized return.

FKRCX

• 1D: -2.44%
• 1M: -0.55%
• YTD: 5.59%
• 6M: 17.92%
• 1Y: 85.11%
• 3Y*: 53.21%
• 5Y*: 20.72%
• 10Y*: 15.83%

GDX

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: 1.08%
• YTD: 2.66%
• 6M: 8.67%
• 1Y: 64.94%
• 3Y*: 42.66%
• 5Y*: 19.85%
• 10Y*: 14.38%

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

FKRCX vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund	5.59%	196.59%	17.64%	2.03%	-23.47%	-4.03%	44.30%	51.48%	-18.11%	-0.12%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	2.66%	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 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2006	0.92

The correlation between FKRCX and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FKRCX vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FKRCX

FKRCX Risk / Return Rank: 47
FKRCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FKRCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
FKRCX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
FKRCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FKRCX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 40
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

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.

	FKRCX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.44	+0.77
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	1.84	+0.67
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.26	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	2.44	+0.64
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.71	6.32	+2.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FKRCX vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKRCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKRCX and GDX, 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

	FKRCX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.21	1.44	+0.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	0.55	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.39	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.19	0.13	+0.06

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.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKRCX	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.85%	-80.34%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.15%	-30.84%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.15%	-30.84%	-0.31%
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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.52%	-23.99%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.74%	-40.44%	+6.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.99%	11.87%	-0.88%

Volatility

FKRCX vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) is 13.56%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 15.07%. This indicates that FKRCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FKRCX	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.56%	15.07%	-1.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.27%	37.34%	-2.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.29%	45.72%	-3.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.82%	36.39%	-2.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.95%	37.17%	-4.22%

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 10.18%, more than GDX's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund	10.18%	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	0.72%	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

Can I hold both FKRCX and GDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, 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.

Which is riskier, FKRCX or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.07%) compared to FKRCX (13.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKRCX dropped -78.85% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FKRCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.44), 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.