FRURX vs. VUIAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FRURX (Franklin Utilities Fund Class R) and VUIAX (Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Utilities Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FRURX returned 9.10%/yr vs 8.99%/yr for VUIAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FRURX charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VUIAX.

Performance

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Utilities Fund Class R (FRURX) and Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares (VUIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRURX achieves a 5.32% return, which is significantly higher than VUIAX's 3.21% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FRURX having a 9.10% annualized return and VUIAX not far behind at 8.99%.

FRURX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -5.10%
• YTD: 5.32%
• 6M: 4.07%
• 1Y: 13.61%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: 10.10%
• 10Y*: 9.10%

VUIAX

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: -5.41%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 1.41%
• 1Y: 11.44%
• 3Y*: 13.58%
• 5Y*: 9.06%
• 10Y*: 8.99%

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

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FRURX Franklin Utilities Fund Class R	5.32%	14.28%	26.66%	-5.22%	1.32%	17.55%	-2.13%	26.68%	2.19%	9.34%
VUIAX Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.21%	16.39%	23.03%	-7.49%	1.13%	17.16%	-0.90%	24.97%	4.45%	12.49%

Correlation

The correlation between FRURX and VUIAX is 0.99 - 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 3, 2004	0.99

The correlation between FRURX and VUIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FRURX vs. VUIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRURX

FRURX Risk / Return Rank: 13
FRURX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
FRURX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
FRURX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
FRURX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
FRURX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

VUIAX

VUIAX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VUIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VUIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VUIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VUIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VUIAX 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.

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Utilities Fund Class R (FRURX) 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.

	FRURX	VUIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	0.67	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.24	0.99	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.12	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.47	1.08	+0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.77	2.43	+1.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRURX Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is comparable to the VUIAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRURX and VUIAX, 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

	FRURX	VUIAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86	0.67	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.53	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.47	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.53	-0.02

Drawdowns

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRURX drawdown since its inception was -43.83%, smaller than the maximum VUIAX drawdown of -46.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRURX and VUIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRURX	VUIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.83%	-46.29%	+2.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.15%	-8.87%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.42%	-17.42%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.83%	-25.18%	+2.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.56%	-36.21%	-0.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.84%	-7.26%	+0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.56%	-7.77%	+0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	3.95%	-0.75%

Volatility

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Utilities Fund Class R (FRURX) and Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares (VUIAX) have volatilities of 5.32% and 5.43%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	FRURX	VUIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.32%	5.43%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.11%	11.43%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.96%	14.40%	-0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.90%	17.11%	-0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.83%	19.18%	-0.35%

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRURX has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VUIAX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRURX vs. VUIAX - Dividend Comparison

FRURX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.52%, more than VUIAX's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRURX Franklin Utilities Fund Class R	7.52%	7.48%	8.37%	6.12%	3.39%	4.66%	9.54%	3.90%	5.49%	3.30%	2.43%	5.78%
VUIAX Vanguard Utilities Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.69%	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

Can I hold both FRURX and VUIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, FRURX 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.

Which is riskier, FRURX or VUIAX?

VUIAX has higher volatility (5.43%) compared to FRURX (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRURX dropped -43.83% vs VUIAX's -46.29%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRURX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.86 vs 0.67), 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.