FBDIX vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FBDIX (Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both funds - FBDIX is a Health & Biotech Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 10 years, FBDIX returned 11.40%/yr vs 22.48%/yr for QQQ. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FBDIX charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund (FBDIX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FBDIX achieves a 6.81% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 20.41% return. Over the past 10 years, FBDIX has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 11.40%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.48% annualized return.

FBDIX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 6.81%
• 6M: 5.19%
• 1Y: 70.80%
• 3Y*: 28.12%
• 5Y*: 8.29%
• 10Y*: 11.40%

QQQ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 2.96%
• YTD: 20.41%
• 6M: 19.46%
• 1Y: 40.91%
• 3Y*: 27.47%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: 22.48%

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

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FBDIX Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund	6.81%	52.68%	15.37%	18.40%	-12.65%	-27.58%	29.85%	49.11%	-15.77%	18.83%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	20.41%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between FBDIX and QQQ is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 1999	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between FBDIX and QQQ has dropped to 0.36 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FBDIX vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FBDIX

FBDIX Risk / Return Rank: 91
FBDIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FBDIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FBDIX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FBDIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FBDIX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 72
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund (FBDIX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	FBDIX	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	2.33	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.87	3.03	+0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.41	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.72	3.44	+4.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	24.19	12.79	+11.40

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FBDIX Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FBDIX and QQQ, 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

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FBDIX drawdown since its inception was -71.44%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBDIX and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FBDIX	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.44%	-82.97%	+11.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.18%	-11.96%	+2.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.22%	-22.77%	-1.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.83%	-35.12%	-11.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.67%	-35.12%	-18.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.56%	-0.99%	-2.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.70%	-32.73%	+4.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	3.21%	-0.28%

Volatility

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund (FBDIX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 8.75% and 8.47%, 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

	FBDIX	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.75%	8.47%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.23%	14.20%	+4.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.43%	17.67%	+5.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.78%	22.64%	+3.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.34%	22.43%	+3.91%

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FBDIX has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

FBDIX vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

FBDIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.12%, more than QQQ's 0.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FBDIX Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund	10.12%	10.81%	19.53%	0.00%	0.13%	0.98%	14.50%	18.77%	3.72%	2.39%	4.57%	8.42%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.49%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FBDIX and QQQ in my portfolio?

FBDIX and QQQ have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FBDIX or QQQ?

FBDIX has higher volatility (8.75%) compared to QQQ (8.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FBDIX dropped -71.44% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FBDIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 2.33), 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.