FKUTX vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FKUTX (Franklin Utilities Fund) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both funds - FKUTX is a Utilities Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Over the past 10 years, FKUTX returned 9.51%/yr vs 13.12%/yr for GLD. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FKUTX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

FKUTX vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FKUTX achieves a 5.84% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's 2.92% return. Over the past 10 years, FKUTX has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of 9.51%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 13.12% annualized return.

FKUTX

• 1D: 1.78%
• 1M: -4.87%
• YTD: 5.84%
• 6M: 4.36%
• 1Y: 12.75%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

GLD

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 31.09%
• 5Y*: 18.15%
• 10Y*: 13.12%

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

FKUTX vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FKUTX Franklin Utilities Fund	5.84%	14.59%	27.18%	-4.91%	1.67%	18.00%	-1.87%	27.28%	2.54%	9.58%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between FKUTX and GLD is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2004	0.12

Return for Risk

FKUTX vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FKUTX

FKUTX Risk / Return Rank: 14
FKUTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
FKUTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
FKUTX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
FKUTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
FKUTX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

FKUTX vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). 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.

	FKUTX	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	1.21	-0.27
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.33	1.60	-0.27
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.24	-0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	1.68	-0.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.16	4.15	0.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FKUTX vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKUTX Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is comparable to the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKUTX and GLD, 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

	FKUTX	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	1.21	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63	1.01	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.83	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.60	+0.01

Drawdowns

FKUTX vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FKUTX drawdown since its inception was -43.59%, roughly equal to the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKUTX and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKUTX	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.59%	-45.56%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.10%	-19.21%	+11.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.35%	-19.21%	+2.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.53%	-21.03%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.56%	-22.00%	-14.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.46%	-17.75%	+11.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.00%	-16.16%	+9.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	7.73%	-4.60%

Volatility

FKUTX vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) have volatilities of 5.30% and 5.51%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	FKUTX	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	5.51%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.31%	23.16%	-11.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.92%	26.61%	-12.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	18.00%	-1.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.83%	15.95%	+2.88%

FKUTX vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FKUTX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FKUTX vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

FKUTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.79%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKUTX Franklin Utilities Fund	7.79%	7.70%	8.66%	6.47%	3.73%	4.96%	9.88%	4.29%	5.83%	3.55%	2.76%	6.14%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FKUTX and GLD in my portfolio?

FKUTX and GLD have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FKUTX or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to FKUTX (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKUTX dropped -43.59% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.94), 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.