FRSTX vs. AXSIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FRSTX (Franklin Strategic Income Fund) and AXSIX (Axonic Strategic Income Fund) are both Multisector Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, FRSTX returned 1.46%/yr vs 3.79%/yr for AXSIX. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FRSTX charges 0.89%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for AXSIX.

Performance

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Strategic Income Fund (FRSTX) and Axonic Strategic Income Fund (AXSIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRSTX achieves a 0.24% return, which is significantly lower than AXSIX's 1.94% return.

FRSTX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.11%
• 1Y: 5.40%
• 3Y*: 4.76%
• 5Y*: 1.46%
• 10Y*: 2.65%

AXSIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 1.94%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 5.89%
• 3Y*: 7.33%
• 5Y*: 3.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FRSTX Franklin Strategic Income Fund	0.24%	5.97%	3.28%	8.44%	-10.72%	2.13%	3.27%
AXSIX Axonic Strategic Income Fund	1.94%	6.71%	8.30%	7.54%	-6.81%	5.91%	-0.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FRSTX and AXSIX is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2020	0.48

Over the past year, FRSTX and AXSIX have become more correlated (0.71) than their long-term average of 0.48, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

FRSTX vs. AXSIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRSTX

FRSTX Risk / Return Rank: 24
FRSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
FRSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FRSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FRSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
FRSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

AXSIX

AXSIX Risk / Return Rank: 87
AXSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
AXSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
AXSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
AXSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AXSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Strategic Income Fund (FRSTX) and Axonic Strategic Income Fund (AXSIX). 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.

	FRSTX	AXSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	2.42	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	5.20	-3.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.67	-0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	4.76	-2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.59	17.44	-11.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is lower than the AXSIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRSTX and AXSIX, 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

	FRSTX	AXSIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	2.42	-0.99
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	1.75	-1.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	0.96	+0.42

Drawdowns

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRSTX drawdown since its inception was -19.09%, which is greater than AXSIX's maximum drawdown of -12.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRSTX and AXSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRSTX	AXSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.09%	-12.55%	-6.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.95%	-1.22%	-1.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.40%	-1.22%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.83%	-6.87%	-7.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-17.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.52%	0.00%	-1.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-1.96%	-0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	0.33%	+0.64%

Volatility

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Strategic Income Fund (FRSTX) has a higher volatility of 1.31% compared to Axonic Strategic Income Fund (AXSIX) at 0.78%. This indicates that FRSTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AXSIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRSTX	AXSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	0.78%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.76%	1.64%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.81%	2.41%	+1.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.11%	2.18%	+1.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.14%	3.70%	+0.44%

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRSTX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than AXSIX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRSTX vs. AXSIX - Dividend Comparison

FRSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.96%, less than AXSIX's 6.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AXSIX Axonic Strategic Income Fund	6.21%	6.39%	6.52%	6.24%	3.89%	6.70%	2.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FRSTX Franklin Strategic Income Fund	3.96%	3.36%	4.74%	4.56%	4.36%	3.62%	3.93%	4.47%	4.32%	2.25%	2.48%	4.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRSTX and AXSIX in my portfolio?

FRSTX and AXSIX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRSTX or AXSIX?

FRSTX has higher volatility (1.31%) compared to AXSIX (0.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRSTX dropped -19.09% vs AXSIX's -12.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AXSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.43), 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.