FRSGX vs. SBMAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FRSGX (Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund) and SBMAX (ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund) are both mutual funds - FRSGX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while SBMAX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, FRSGX returned 14.62%/yr vs 8.52%/yr for SBMAX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FRSGX charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.13%/yr for SBMAX.

Performance

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (FRSGX) and ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (SBMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRSGX achieves a 6.07% return, which is significantly higher than SBMAX's 4.25% return. Over the past 10 years, FRSGX has outperformed SBMAX with an annualized return of 14.62%, while SBMAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.52% annualized return.

FRSGX

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 6.07%
• 6M: 4.01%
• 1Y: 6.92%
• 3Y*: 11.53%
• 5Y*: 6.81%
• 10Y*: 14.62%

SBMAX

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 2.36%
• YTD: 4.25%
• 6M: 2.70%
• 1Y: 7.22%
• 3Y*: 9.41%
• 5Y*: 2.23%
• 10Y*: 8.52%

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

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FRSGX Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund	6.07%	2.83%	11.36%	27.20%	-33.84%	50.07%	56.09%	31.98%	-4.94%	21.64%
SBMAX ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund	4.25%	4.21%	9.79%	13.51%	-25.19%	28.37%	16.25%	32.77%	-12.92%	12.69%

Correlation

The correlation between FRSGX and SBMAX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 1998	0.92

The correlation between FRSGX and SBMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FRSGX vs. SBMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRSGX

FRSGX Risk / Return Rank: 6
FRSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
FRSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
FRSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
FRSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
FRSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

SBMAX

SBMAX Risk / Return Rank: 8
SBMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
SBMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
SBMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
SBMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
SBMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (FRSGX) and ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (SBMAX). 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.

	FRSGX	SBMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.34	0.45	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.59	0.73	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.09	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.46	0.62	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.40	1.86	-0.46

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRSGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.34, which is comparable to the SBMAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRSGX and SBMAX, 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

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRSGX drawdown since its inception was -69.07%, which is greater than SBMAX's maximum drawdown of -52.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRSGX and SBMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRSGX	SBMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.07%	-52.41%	-16.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.39%	-10.32%	-2.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.77%	-23.62%	-2.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.25%	-31.55%	-7.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.25%	-39.88%	+0.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-1.37%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.67%	-9.65%	-9.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	3.46%	+0.58%

Volatility

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (FRSGX) has a higher volatility of 6.11% compared to ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (SBMAX) at 3.74%. This indicates that FRSGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SBMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRSGX	SBMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.11%	3.74%	+2.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.37%	11.36%	+2.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.71%	14.48%	+2.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.44%	19.84%	+8.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.08%	20.22%	+4.86%

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRSGX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than SBMAX's 1.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRSGX vs. SBMAX - Dividend Comparison

FRSGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.69%, less than SBMAX's 8.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRSGX Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund	7.69%	8.16%	0.00%	0.00%	6.80%	41.15%	8.84%	18.91%	14.01%	8.78%	6.68%	9.71%
SBMAX ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund	8.56%	8.92%	8.73%	1.83%	4.96%	12.79%	7.27%	7.78%	4.52%	6.52%	1.70%	5.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRSGX and SBMAX in my portfolio?

FRSGX and SBMAX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRSGX or SBMAX?

FRSGX has higher volatility (6.11%) compared to SBMAX (3.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRSGX dropped -69.07% vs SBMAX's -52.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SBMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.45 vs 0.34), 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.