FKUTX vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FKUTX (Franklin Utilities Fund) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FKUTX returned 9.51%/yr vs 9.02%/yr for VPU. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FKUTX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VPU.

Performance

FKUTX vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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 VPU's 3.18% return. Over the past 10 years, FKUTX has outperformed VPU with an annualized return of 9.51%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.02% 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%

VPU

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: -5.40%
• YTD: 3.18%
• 6M: 1.27%
• 1Y: 9.60%
• 3Y*: 13.61%
• 5Y*: 9.11%
• 10Y*: 9.02%

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

FKUTX vs. VPU - 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%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	3.18%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between FKUTX and VPU is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.98

The correlation between FKUTX and VPU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FKUTX vs. VPU — 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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 20
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	0.67	+0.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.33	1.00	+0.34
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.12	+0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	1.08	+0.53
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.16	2.43	+1.72
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. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKUTX Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKUTX and VPU, 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	VPU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	0.67	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63	0.54	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.47	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.53	+0.07

Drawdowns

FKUTX vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FKUTX drawdown since its inception was -43.59%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKUTX and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKUTX	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.59%	-46.31%	+2.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.10%	-8.90%	+0.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.35%	-17.34%	+0.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.53%	-25.15%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.56%	-36.42%	-0.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.46%	-7.26%	+0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.00%	-7.78%	+0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	3.96%	-0.83%

Volatility

FKUTX vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) have volatilities of 5.30% and 5.35%, 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	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	5.35%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.31%	11.36%	-0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.92%	14.30%	-0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	17.05%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.83%	19.12%	-0.29%

FKUTX vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FKUTX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

FKUTX vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

FKUTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.79%, more than VPU's 2.69% yield.

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%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.69%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FKUTX and VPU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, FKUTX and VPU 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, FKUTX or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.35%) compared to FKUTX (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKUTX dropped -43.59% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FKUTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs 0.67), 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.