SLMMX vs. FKRCX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SLMMX (Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund) and FKRCX (Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund) are both mutual funds - SLMMX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while FKRCX is a Gold fund managed by Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, SLMMX returned 1.20%/yr vs 14.64%/yr for FKRCX. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SLMMX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for FKRCX.

Performance

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX) and Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLMMX achieves a 2.17% return, which is significantly higher than FKRCX's -0.48% return. Over the past 10 years, SLMMX has underperformed FKRCX with an annualized return of 1.20%, while FKRCX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.64% annualized return.

SLMMX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 2.06%
• YTD: 2.17%
• 6M: 2.67%
• 1Y: 8.00%
• 3Y*: 3.36%
• 5Y*: 0.11%
• 10Y*: 1.20%

FKRCX

• 1D: -2.44%
• 1M: -2.88%
• YTD: -0.48%
• 6M: -3.35%
• 1Y: 78.76%
• 3Y*: 50.97%
• 5Y*: 22.35%
• 10Y*: 14.64%

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

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLMMX Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund	2.17%	3.76%	1.22%	5.51%	-11.55%	1.73%	3.31%	6.85%	0.02%	5.10%
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund	-0.48%	196.59%	17.64%	2.03%	-23.47%	-4.03%	44.30%	51.48%	-18.11%	-0.12%

Correlation

The correlation between SLMMX and FKRCX is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 1988	0.03

The correlation between SLMMX and FKRCX shifts across timeframes, from 0.03 (all time) to 0.17 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SLMMX vs. FKRCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLMMX

SLMMX Risk / Return Rank: 77
SLMMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
SLMMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SLMMX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
SLMMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SLMMX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

FKRCX

FKRCX Risk / Return Rank: 33
FKRCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FKRCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FKRCX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FKRCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
FKRCX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX) and Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX). 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.

	SLMMX	FKRCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	1.69	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.11	2.07	+2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.29	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	2.15	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.26	5.97	+4.29

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLMMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is higher than the FKRCX Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLMMX and FKRCX, 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

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLMMX drawdown since its inception was -16.75%, smaller than the maximum FKRCX drawdown of -78.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLMMX and FKRCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLMMX	FKRCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.75%	-78.85%	+62.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-34.78%	+31.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.79%	-34.78%	+27.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.75%	-48.79%	+32.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.75%	-49.54%	+32.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-26.03%	+25.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.27%	-33.73%	+31.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.78%	12.50%	-11.72%

Volatility

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX) is 0.90%, while Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (FKRCX) has a volatility of 16.62%. This indicates that SLMMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FKRCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLMMX	FKRCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.90%	16.62%	-15.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.25%	37.79%	-35.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.02%	44.22%	-41.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.53%	34.29%	-29.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.32%	33.11%	-28.79%

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLMMX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than FKRCX's 0.88% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLMMX vs. FKRCX - Dividend Comparison

SLMMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, less than FKRCX's 10.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKRCX Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund	10.80%	10.75%	13.44%	3.12%	0.00%	9.37%	10.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.37%	8.73%	0.00%
SLMMX Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund	2.34%	3.27%	2.62%	2.34%	1.81%	1.40%	2.29%	3.02%	3.13%	3.12%	3.10%	3.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLMMX and FKRCX in my portfolio?

SLMMX and FKRCX have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLMMX or FKRCX?

FKRCX has higher volatility (16.62%) compared to SLMMX (0.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLMMX dropped -16.75% vs FKRCX's -78.85%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLMMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 1.69), 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.