FRVLX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FRVLX (Franklin Small Cap Value Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - FRVLX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, FRVLX returned 10.56%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FRVLX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Value Fund (FRVLX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRVLX achieves a 19.75% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 9.77% return. Over the past 10 years, FRVLX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 10.56%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.76% annualized return.

FRVLX

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 4.20%
• YTD: 19.75%
• 6M: 17.64%
• 1Y: 34.52%
• 3Y*: 17.65%
• 5Y*: 8.34%
• 10Y*: 10.56%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FRVLX Franklin Small Cap Value Fund	19.75%	7.36%	13.16%	12.81%	-10.25%	22.51%	5.45%	26.08%	-12.92%	9.91%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FRVLX and VFIAX is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.83

The correlation between FRVLX and VFIAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.83 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FRVLX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRVLX

FRVLX Risk / Return Rank: 55
FRVLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
FRVLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
FRVLX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FRVLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FRVLX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Value Fund (FRVLX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	FRVLX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.15	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.91	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.39	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	3.01	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.18	13.60	-3.41

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRVLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRVLX and VFIAX, 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

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRVLX drawdown since its inception was -60.27%, which is greater than VFIAX's maximum drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRVLX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRVLX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.27%	-55.20%	-5.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.04%	-8.90%	-3.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.09%	-18.75%	-6.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.09%	-24.53%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.10%	-33.83%	-10.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.72%	+1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.30%	-9.38%	-0.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.59%	1.97%	+1.62%

Volatility

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Small Cap Value Fund (FRVLX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) have volatilities of 4.75% and 4.67%, 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

	FRVLX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.75%	4.67%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.02%	9.84%	+3.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.60%	12.50%	+6.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.55%	16.99%	+4.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.84%	18.11%	+4.73%

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRVLX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRVLX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

FRVLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.67%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRVLX Franklin Small Cap Value Fund	6.67%	7.99%	8.45%	4.54%	3.21%	7.55%	2.20%	6.31%	18.48%	8.06%	4.76%	11.04%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRVLX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

FRVLX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRVLX or VFIAX?

FRVLX has higher volatility (4.75%) compared to VFIAX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRVLX dropped -60.27% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.97), 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.