FNGZX vs. LMGEX

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

FNGZX (Franklin International Growth Fund) and LMGEX (Franklin International Equity Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FNGZX returned 6.41%/yr vs 8.22%/yr for LMGEX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FNGZX charges 0.86%/yr vs 2.05%/yr for LMGEX.

Performance

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin International Growth Fund (FNGZX) and Franklin International Equity Fund (LMGEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNGZX achieves a -1.09% return, which is significantly lower than LMGEX's 9.09% return. Over the past 10 years, FNGZX has underperformed LMGEX with an annualized return of 6.41%, while LMGEX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.22% annualized return.

FNGZX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: -1.60%
• 6M: -4.22%
• YTD: -1.09%
• 1Y: -3.60%
• 3Y*: 3.00%
• 5Y*: -3.75%
• 10Y*: 6.41%

LMGEX

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: -0.04%
• 6M: 5.68%
• YTD: 9.09%
• 1Y: 20.87%
• 3Y*: 15.82%
• 5Y*: 9.16%
• 10Y*: 8.22%

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

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNGZX Franklin International Growth Fund	-1.09%	10.54%	0.66%	15.24%	-31.87%	0.45%	32.90%	37.18%	-14.30%	36.28%
LMGEX Franklin International Equity Fund	9.09%	32.05%	3.42%	18.48%	-13.55%	12.87%	2.74%	17.61%	-16.67%	23.58%

Correlation

The correlation between FNGZX and LMGEX is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2008	0.84

The correlation between FNGZX and LMGEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FNGZX vs. LMGEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNGZX

FNGZX Risk / Return Rank: 2
FNGZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
FNGZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
FNGZX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
FNGZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
FNGZX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

LMGEX

LMGEX Risk / Return Rank: 32
LMGEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
LMGEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
LMGEX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
LMGEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
LMGEX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin International Growth Fund (FNGZX) and Franklin International Equity Fund (LMGEX). 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.

	FNGZX	LMGEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.23	1.24	-1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.21	1.81	-2.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.22	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.24	1.69	-1.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.66	5.96	-6.62

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNGZX Sharpe Ratio is -0.23, which is lower than the LMGEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNGZX and LMGEX, 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

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNGZX drawdown since its inception was -53.35%, smaller than the maximum LMGEX drawdown of -63.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNGZX and LMGEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNGZX	LMGEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.35%	-63.37%	+10.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.29%	-11.64%	-5.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.20%	-13.05%	-10.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.63%	-28.98%	-18.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.63%	-39.79%	-7.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.95%	-1.41%	-20.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.20%	-18.15%	+3.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.36%	3.29%	+3.07%

Volatility

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin International Growth Fund (FNGZX) has a higher volatility of 4.53% compared to Franklin International Equity Fund (LMGEX) at 4.23%. This indicates that FNGZX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LMGEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNGZX	LMGEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.53%	4.23%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.65%	13.28%	+1.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.91%	15.80%	+2.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.48%	15.93%	+5.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.09%	15.93%	+4.16%

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNGZX has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is lower than LMGEX's 2.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNGZX vs. LMGEX - Dividend Comparison

FNGZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.41%, less than LMGEX's 7.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNGZX Franklin International Growth Fund	3.41%	3.37%	2.07%	0.00%	1.74%	1.11%	2.23%	0.30%	2.04%	1.31%	0.90%	0.36%
LMGEX Franklin International Equity Fund	7.59%	8.28%	5.68%	1.51%	2.88%	5.10%	0.58%	0.49%	1.62%	1.60%	1.30%	0.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNGZX and LMGEX in my portfolio?

FNGZX and LMGEX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNGZX or LMGEX?

FNGZX has higher volatility (4.53%) compared to LMGEX (4.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNGZX dropped -53.35% vs LMGEX's -63.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LMGEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs -0.23), 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.