FRNRX vs. VLPIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FRNRX (Franklin Natural Resources Fund) and VLPIX (Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund) are both Energy Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FRNRX returned 11.47%/yr vs 12.10%/yr for VLPIX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FRNRX charges 0.96%/yr vs 1.17%/yr for VLPIX.

Performance

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Natural Resources Fund (FRNRX) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRNRX achieves a 26.03% return, which is significantly higher than VLPIX's 22.26% return. Over the past 10 years, FRNRX has underperformed VLPIX with an annualized return of 11.47%, while VLPIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.10% annualized return.

FRNRX

• 1D: 1.79%
• 1M: 1.79%
• YTD: 26.03%
• 6M: 28.84%
• 1Y: 57.42%
• 3Y*: 21.67%
• 5Y*: 23.88%
• 10Y*: 11.47%

VLPIX

• 1D: 1.89%
• 1M: -2.13%
• YTD: 22.26%
• 6M: 21.41%
• 1Y: 25.30%
• 3Y*: 27.23%
• 5Y*: 22.37%
• 10Y*: 12.10%

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

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FRNRX Franklin Natural Resources Fund	26.03%	30.43%	1.28%	3.25%	30.52%	74.38%	-21.58%	10.03%	-23.78%	0.32%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	22.26%	3.49%	41.45%	11.99%	30.81%	44.75%	-18.60%	9.59%	-17.20%	-1.13%

Correlation

The correlation between FRNRX and VLPIX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2015	0.82

Over the past year, the correlation between FRNRX and VLPIX has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.82, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FRNRX vs. VLPIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRNRX

FRNRX Risk / Return Rank: 94
FRNRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FRNRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
FRNRX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FRNRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FRNRX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

VLPIX

VLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 51
VLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Natural Resources Fund (FRNRX) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX). 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.

	FRNRX	VLPIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.61	1.87	+1.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.47	2.62	+1.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.32	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.01	3.96	+5.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	32.16	11.00	+21.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRNRX Sharpe Ratio is 3.61, which is higher than the VLPIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRNRX and VLPIX, 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

	FRNRX	VLPIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.61	1.87	+1.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	1.11	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	0.49	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.42	-0.13

Drawdowns

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRNRX drawdown since its inception was -80.54%, which is greater than VLPIX's maximum drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRNRX and VLPIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRNRX	VLPIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.54%	-64.56%	-15.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.53%	-6.65%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.65%	-17.54%	-2.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.29%	-21.26%	-5.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.71%	-64.56%	-6.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.89%	+4.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.83%	-10.66%	-13.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	2.39%	-0.56%

Volatility

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin Natural Resources Fund (FRNRX) is 4.54%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) has a volatility of 5.82%. This indicates that FRNRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VLPIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRNRX	VLPIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.54%	5.82%	-1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.87%	10.79%	+2.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.37%	14.12%	+2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.57%	20.22%	+5.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.57%	24.65%	+3.92%

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRNRX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than VLPIX's 1.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRNRX vs. VLPIX - Dividend Comparison

FRNRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than VLPIX's 8.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRNRX Franklin Natural Resources Fund	1.34%	1.70%	2.40%	1.98%	2.38%	22.66%	2.39%	1.64%	2.43%	1.16%	1.02%	0.86%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	8.01%	9.63%	2.61%	3.32%	3.01%	3.66%	5.40%	4.28%	4.04%	2.81%	2.50%	0.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRNRX and VLPIX in my portfolio?

FRNRX and VLPIX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRNRX or VLPIX?

VLPIX has higher volatility (5.82%) compared to FRNRX (4.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRNRX dropped -80.54% vs VLPIX's -64.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRNRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.61 vs 1.87), 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.