FGDL vs. SGOL
FGDL (Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF) and SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) are both Precious Metals funds tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt), from Franklin Templeton and abrdn respectively. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FGDL returned 31.32%/yr vs 31.36%/yr for SGOL. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FGDL charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for SGOL.
Performance
FGDL vs. SGOL - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FGDL achieves a 2.43% return, which is significantly lower than SGOL's 2.97% return.
FGDL
- 1D
- -1.09%
- 1M
- -1.94%
- YTD
- 2.43%
- 6M
- 4.89%
- 1Y
- 31.70%
- 3Y*
- 31.32%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
SGOL
- 1D
- -0.98%
- 1M
- -1.67%
- YTD
- 2.97%
- 6M
- 5.51%
- 1Y
- 32.27%
- 3Y*
- 31.36%
- 5Y*
- 18.40%
- 10Y*
- 13.32%
FGDL vs. SGOL - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF | 2.43% | 64.15% | 27.31% | 12.92% | 0.91% |
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF | 2.97% | 63.99% | 26.90% | 12.99% | 0.81% |
Correlation
The correlation between FGDL and SGOL is 0.98 - 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 | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2022 | 0.99 |
The correlation between FGDL and SGOL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FGDL vs. SGOL — Risk / Return Rank
FGDL
SGOL
FGDL vs. SGOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). 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.
| FGDL | SGOL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.04 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.06 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.24 | 1.25 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.66 | 1.69 | -0.04 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.03 | 4.20 | -0.17 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| FGDL | SGOL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.19 | 1.23 | -0.04 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | — | 1.03 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.84 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.35 | 0.55 | +0.80 |
Drawdowns
FGDL vs. SGOL - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FGDL drawdown since its inception was -19.23%, smaller than the maximum SGOL drawdown of -45.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGDL and SGOL.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FGDL | SGOL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -19.23% | -45.51% | +26.28% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -19.23% | -19.14% | -0.09% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.23% | -19.14% | -0.09% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -20.92% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -21.56% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -18.16% | -17.72% | -0.44% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.83% | -18.41% | +14.58% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 7.88% | 7.71% | +0.17% |
Volatility
FGDL vs. SGOL - Volatility Comparison
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) have volatilities of 5.61% and 5.46%, 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FGDL | SGOL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.61% | 5.46% | +0.15% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 23.18% | 22.93% | +0.25% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 26.78% | 26.33% | +0.45% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.03% | 17.89% | +1.14% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.03% | 15.91% | +3.12% |
FGDL vs. SGOL - Expense Ratio Comparison
FGDL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SGOL's 0.17% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
FGDL vs. SGOL - Dividend Comparison
Neither FGDL nor SGOL has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, FGDL and SGOL 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.
FGDL has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to SGOL (5.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGDL dropped -19.23% vs SGOL's -45.51%.
On 3-year performance, SGOL leads with 31.36% vs 31.32% for FGDL. On fees, FGDL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SGOL has been the lower-risk option at 5.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, SGOL has performed better with a 31.36% return vs 31.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
FGDL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for SGOL.
FGDL and SGOL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
Both ETFs track LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for FGDL and 0.17% for SGOL.
SGOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 1.19), 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.
Find the right allocation for FGDL and SGOL
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer