FKUTX vs. VTIVX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FKUTX (Franklin Utilities Fund) and VTIVX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund) are both mutual funds - FKUTX is a Utilities Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while VTIVX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, FKUTX returned 9.56%/yr vs 11.66%/yr for VTIVX. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FKUTX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTIVX.

Performance

FKUTX vs. VTIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund (VTIVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FKUTX achieves a 7.77% return, which is significantly lower than VTIVX's 10.42% return. Over the past 10 years, FKUTX has underperformed VTIVX with an annualized return of 9.56%, while VTIVX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.66% annualized return.

FKUTX

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -1.50%
• YTD: 7.77%
• 6M: 7.95%
• 1Y: 15.43%
• 3Y*: 16.27%
• 5Y*: 11.57%
• 10Y*: 9.56%

VTIVX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.48%
• YTD: 10.42%
• 6M: 9.85%
• 1Y: 24.38%
• 3Y*: 17.98%
• 5Y*: 9.39%
• 10Y*: 11.66%

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

FKUTX vs. VTIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FKUTX Franklin Utilities Fund	7.77%	14.59%	27.18%	-4.91%	1.67%	18.00%	-1.87%	27.28%	2.54%	9.58%
VTIVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund	10.42%	20.01%	13.68%	19.72%	-17.38%	16.16%	16.31%	24.94%	-7.89%	19.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FKUTX and VTIVX is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2003	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between FKUTX and VTIVX has dropped to 0.26 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FKUTX vs. VTIVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FKUTX

FKUTX Risk / Return Rank: 23
FKUTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
FKUTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
FKUTX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FKUTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
FKUTX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

VTIVX

VTIVX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VTIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VTIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VTIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VTIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VTIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. VTIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund (VTIVX). 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.

	FKUTX	VTIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	2.28	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	3.14	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.42	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	3.06	-0.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.02	13.22	-8.20

FKUTX vs. VTIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKUTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the VTIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKUTX and VTIVX, 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

FKUTX vs. VTIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FKUTX drawdown since its inception was -43.59%, smaller than the maximum VTIVX drawdown of -51.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKUTX and VTIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKUTX	VTIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.59%	-51.69%	+8.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.10%	-8.30%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.35%	-13.40%	-2.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.53%	-25.10%	+2.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.56%	-31.42%	-5.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.75%	-0.60%	-4.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.00%	-6.32%	-0.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	1.92%	+1.44%

Volatility

FKUTX vs. VTIVX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) has a higher volatility of 5.08% compared to Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund (VTIVX) at 4.42%. This indicates that FKUTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTIVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FKUTX	VTIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	4.42%	+0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.31%	9.21%	+2.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.08%	11.16%	+2.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.90%	13.59%	+3.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.86%	14.83%	+4.03%

FKUTX vs. VTIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FKUTX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VTIVX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FKUTX vs. VTIVX - Dividend Comparison

FKUTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.18%, more than VTIVX's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKUTX Franklin Utilities Fund	7.18%	7.70%	8.66%	6.47%	3.73%	4.96%	9.88%	4.29%	5.83%	3.55%	2.76%	6.14%
VTIVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund	2.26%	2.50%	2.36%	2.27%	2.75%	15.40%	1.90%	2.23%	2.52%	0.04%	2.47%	3.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FKUTX and VTIVX in my portfolio?

FKUTX and VTIVX have a correlation of 0.26, 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 VTIVX?

FKUTX has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to VTIVX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKUTX dropped -43.59% vs VTIVX's -51.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.20), 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.