FKRCX vs. SLMMX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FKRCX (Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund) and SLMMX (Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund) are both mutual funds - FKRCX is a Gold fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while SLMMX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, FKRCX returned 11.58%/yr vs 1.18%/yr for SLMMX. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FKRCX charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SLMMX.

Performance

FKRCX vs. SLMMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) and Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FKRCX achieves a -12.09% return, which is significantly lower than SLMMX's 2.29% return. Over the past 10 years, FKRCX has outperformed SLMMX with an annualized return of 11.58%, while SLMMX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.18% annualized return.

FKRCX

• 1D: -3.41%
• 1M: -8.55%
• 6M: -18.99%
• YTD: -12.09%
• 1Y: 55.01%
• 3Y*: 43.53%
• 5Y*: 19.02%
• 10Y*: 11.58%

SLMMX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• 6M: 1.94%
• YTD: 2.29%
• 1Y: 8.19%
• 3Y*: 3.41%
• 5Y*: 0.02%
• 10Y*: 1.18%

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

FKRCX vs. SLMMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund	-12.09%	196.59%	17.64%	2.03%	-23.47%	-4.03%	44.30%	51.48%	-18.11%	-0.12%
SLMMX Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund	2.29%	3.76%	1.22%	5.51%	-11.55%	1.73%	3.31%	6.85%	0.02%	5.10%

Correlation

The correlation between FKRCX and SLMMX is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 1988	0.03

The correlation between FKRCX and SLMMX shifts across timeframes, from 0.03 (all time) to 0.17 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FKRCX vs. SLMMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FKRCX

FKRCX Risk / Return Rank: 29
FKRCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
FKRCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FKRCX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
FKRCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
FKRCX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

SLMMX

SLMMX Risk / Return Rank: 88
SLMMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
SLMMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SLMMX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SLMMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
SLMMX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. SLMMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) and Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX). 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	SLMMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	2.70	-1.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.68	4.14	-2.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.64	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.63	2.87	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.82	11.01	-7.19

FKRCX vs. SLMMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKRCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is lower than the SLMMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKRCX and SLMMX, 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

FKRCX vs. SLMMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FKRCX drawdown since its inception was -78.85%, which is greater than SLMMX's maximum drawdown of -16.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKRCX and SLMMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKRCX	SLMMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.85%	-16.75%	-62.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.78%	-2.83%	-31.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.78%	-6.79%	-27.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.79%	-16.75%	-32.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.54%	-16.75%	-32.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.66%	-0.60%	-34.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.73%	-2.27%	-31.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.76%	0.74%	+14.02%

Volatility

FKRCX vs. SLMMX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) has a higher volatility of 15.82% compared to Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX) at 0.58%. This indicates that FKRCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLMMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FKRCX	SLMMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.82%	0.58%	+15.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	38.73%	2.29%	+36.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.51%	3.01%	+42.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.66%	4.54%	+30.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.21%	4.32%	+28.89%

FKRCX vs. SLMMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FKRCX has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than SLMMX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

FKRCX vs. SLMMX - Dividend Comparison

FKRCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.22%, more than SLMMX's 2.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund	12.22%	10.75%	13.44%	3.12%	0.00%	9.37%	10.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.37%	8.73%	0.00%
SLMMX Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund	2.34%	3.27%	2.62%	2.34%	1.81%	1.40%	2.29%	3.02%	3.13%	3.12%	3.10%	3.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FKRCX and SLMMX in my portfolio?

FKRCX and SLMMX have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FKRCX or SLMMX?

FKRCX has higher volatility (15.82%) compared to SLMMX (0.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKRCX dropped -78.85% vs SLMMX's -16.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLMMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.24), 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.