MMUFX vs. FRURX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MMUFX (MFS Utilities Fund) and FRURX (Franklin Utilities Fund Class R) are both Utilities Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MMUFX returned 8.51%/yr vs 9.04%/yr for FRURX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MMUFX charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.07%/yr for FRURX.

Performance

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MMUFX achieves a 8.89% return, which is significantly lower than FRURX's 9.50% return. Over the past 10 years, MMUFX has underperformed FRURX with an annualized return of 8.51%, while FRURX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.04% annualized return.

MMUFX

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 1.73%
• 6M: 5.97%
• YTD: 8.89%
• 1Y: 16.53%
• 3Y*: 10.50%
• 5Y*: 7.95%
• 10Y*: 8.51%

FRURX

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 1.09%
• 6M: 6.63%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 1Y: 16.48%
• 3Y*: 15.33%
• 5Y*: 10.68%
• 10Y*: 9.04%

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

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MMUFX MFS Utilities Fund	8.89%	14.32%	11.38%	-2.28%	0.35%	13.86%	6.04%	24.91%	0.85%	14.69%
FRURX Franklin Utilities Fund Class R	9.50%	14.28%	26.66%	-5.22%	1.32%	17.55%	-2.13%	26.68%	2.19%	9.34%

Correlation

The correlation between MMUFX and FRURX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 2001	0.85

The correlation between MMUFX and FRURX shifts across timeframes, from 0.85 (all time) to 0.97 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MMUFX vs. FRURX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMUFX

MMUFX Risk / Return Rank: 28
MMUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
MMUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
MMUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
MMUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
MMUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

FRURX

FRURX Risk / Return Rank: 29
FRURX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
FRURX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FRURX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
FRURX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
FRURX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	MMUFX	FRURX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.17	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	1.63	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.20	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	2.05	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.54	4.81	-0.26

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMUFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is comparable to the FRURX Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMUFX and FRURX, 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

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMUFX drawdown since its inception was -56.03%, which is greater than FRURX's maximum drawdown of -43.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMUFX and FRURX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMUFX	FRURX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.03%	-43.83%	-12.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.75%	-8.15%	-0.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.72%	-16.42%	-1.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.64%	-22.83%	+1.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.82%	-36.56%	+0.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.53%	-3.15%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.74%	-7.54%	-1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.67%	3.47%	+0.20%

Volatility

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Utilities Fund (MMUFX) is 4.12%, while Franklin Utilities Fund Class R (FRURX) has a volatility of 4.40%. This indicates that MMUFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRURX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MMUFX	FRURX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	4.40%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.68%	11.50%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.57%	14.36%	+0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.88%	16.93%	-1.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.61%	18.86%	-2.25%

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMUFX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than FRURX's 1.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMUFX vs. FRURX - Dividend Comparison

MMUFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, less than FRURX's 7.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRURX Franklin Utilities Fund Class R	7.25%	7.48%	8.37%	6.12%	3.39%	4.66%	9.54%	3.90%	5.49%	3.30%	2.43%	5.78%
MMUFX MFS Utilities Fund	3.39%	3.83%	3.72%	5.82%	8.68%	5.61%	5.80%	6.85%	4.29%	2.67%	3.72%	9.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMUFX and FRURX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, MMUFX and FRURX 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, MMUFX or FRURX?

FRURX has higher volatility (4.40%) compared to MMUFX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMUFX dropped -56.03% vs FRURX's -43.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRURX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 1.15), 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.