SBSTX vs. FKINX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SBSTX (Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund) and FKINX (Franklin Income Fund Class A1) are both mutual funds - SBSTX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while FKINX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, SBSTX returned 1.87%/yr vs 7.49%/yr for FKINX. At a 0.10 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SBSTX charges 0.71%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FKINX.

Performance

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund (SBSTX) and Franklin Income Fund Class A1 (FKINX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SBSTX achieves a 0.05% return, which is significantly lower than FKINX's 4.34% return. Over the past 10 years, SBSTX has underperformed FKINX with an annualized return of 1.87%, while FKINX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.49% annualized return.

SBSTX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: 0.41%
• 1Y: 2.80%
• 3Y*: 3.98%
• 5Y*: 1.43%
• 10Y*: 1.87%

FKINX

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 4.34%
• 6M: 4.34%
• 1Y: 12.46%
• 3Y*: 10.00%
• 5Y*: 6.33%
• 10Y*: 7.49%

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

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SBSTX Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund	0.05%	5.38%	3.56%	4.32%	-5.34%	-0.81%	3.73%	4.48%	1.29%	2.23%
FKINX Franklin Income Fund Class A1	4.34%	12.24%	7.12%	8.65%	-5.29%	17.21%	3.57%	15.75%	-5.54%	8.43%

Correlation

The correlation between SBSTX and FKINX is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.14
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1992	0.10

Over the past year, SBSTX and FKINX have become more correlated (0.31) than their long-term average of 0.10, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

SBSTX vs. FKINX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBSTX

SBSTX Risk / Return Rank: 38
SBSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
SBSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
SBSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
SBSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SBSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

FKINX

FKINX Risk / Return Rank: 82
FKINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FKINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FKINX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FKINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
FKINX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund (SBSTX) and Franklin Income Fund Class A1 (FKINX). 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.

	SBSTX	FKINX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	2.34	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	3.47	-1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.49	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	3.79	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.34	15.24	-5.91

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is lower than the FKINX Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBSTX and FKINX, 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

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBSTX drawdown since its inception was -16.30%, smaller than the maximum FKINX drawdown of -43.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBSTX and FKINX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBSTX	FKINX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.30%	-43.18%	+26.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.34%	-3.43%	+2.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.34%	-7.42%	+6.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.15%	-13.20%	+5.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.19%	-23.91%	+15.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-1.17%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.18%	-3.71%	+2.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	0.85%	-0.52%

Volatility

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund (SBSTX) is 0.95%, while Franklin Income Fund Class A1 (FKINX) has a volatility of 1.70%. This indicates that SBSTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FKINX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SBSTX	FKINX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.95%	1.70%	-0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.00%	3.86%	-1.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47%	5.56%	-3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.74%	7.88%	-5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.44%	9.26%	-6.82%

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SBSTX has a 0.71% expense ratio, which is higher than FKINX's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

SBSTX vs. FKINX - Dividend Comparison

SBSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.89%, less than FKINX's 5.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKINX Franklin Income Fund Class A1	5.57%	5.58%	5.59%	5.52%	5.22%	6.52%	5.22%	5.11%	5.34%	5.04%	5.19%	5.71%
SBSTX Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund	3.89%	4.14%	3.22%	2.82%	1.75%	1.24%	2.11%	2.56%	2.33%	1.69%	1.57%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SBSTX and FKINX in my portfolio?

SBSTX and FKINX have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SBSTX or FKINX?

FKINX has higher volatility (1.70%) compared to SBSTX (0.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBSTX dropped -16.30% vs FKINX's -43.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FKINX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.26), 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.