FKUTX vs. VUIAX
FKUTX (Franklin Utilities Fund) and VUIAX (Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Utilities Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FKUTX returned 9.56%/yr vs 9.13%/yr for VUIAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FKUTX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VUIAX.
Performance
FKUTX vs. VUIAX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FKUTX achieves a 7.77% return, which is significantly higher than VUIAX's 6.06% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FKUTX having a 9.56% annualized return and VUIAX not far behind at 9.13%.
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%
VUIAX
- 1D
- 0.45%
- 1M
- -0.83%
- YTD
- 6.06%
- 6M
- 6.10%
- 1Y
- 13.13%
- 3Y*
- 14.55%
- 5Y*
- 10.15%
- 10Y*
- 9.13%
FKUTX vs. VUIAX - 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% |
VUIAX Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares | 6.06% | 16.39% | 23.03% | -7.49% | 1.13% | 17.16% | -0.90% | 24.97% | 4.45% | 12.49% |
Correlation
The correlation between FKUTX and VUIAX 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 | 0.99 |
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 | 0.99 |
The correlation between FKUTX and VUIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
FKUTX vs. VUIAX — Risk / Return Rank
FKUTX
VUIAX
FKUTX vs. VUIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares (VUIAX). 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 | VUIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.19 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.24 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.21 | 1.18 | +0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.09 | 1.65 | +0.44 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.02 | 3.52 | +1.50 |
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Drawdowns
FKUTX vs. VUIAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FKUTX drawdown since its inception was -43.59%, smaller than the maximum VUIAX drawdown of -46.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKUTX and VUIAX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FKUTX | VUIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.59% | -46.29% | +2.70% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.10% | -8.87% | +0.77% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -16.35% | -17.42% | +1.07% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -22.53% | -25.18% | +2.65% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.56% | -36.21% | -0.35% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.75% | -4.70% | -0.05% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.00% | -7.76% | +0.76% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.36% | 4.14% | -0.78% |
Volatility
FKUTX vs. VUIAX - Volatility Comparison
Franklin Utilities Fund (FKUTX) and Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares (VUIAX) have volatilities of 5.08% and 5.27%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| FKUTX | VUIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.08% | 5.27% | -0.19% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.31% | 11.61% | -0.30% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.08% | 14.54% | -0.46% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.90% | 17.09% | -0.19% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 18.86% | 19.21% | -0.35% |
FKUTX vs. VUIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
FKUTX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VUIAX's 0.10% expense ratio.
Dividends
FKUTX vs. VUIAX - Dividend Comparison
FKUTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.18%, more than VUIAX's 2.61% 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% |
VUIAX Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares | 2.61% | 2.73% | 3.01% | 3.49% | 2.98% | 2.56% | 3.17% | 2.82% | 3.23% | 3.18% | 3.19% | 3.64% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, FKUTX and VUIAX 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.
VUIAX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to FKUTX (5.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKUTX dropped -43.59% vs VUIAX's -46.29%.
FKUTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.20 vs 1.01), 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.
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