FLCB vs. FGDL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FLCB (Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF) and FGDL (Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLCB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FGDL is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). FLCB is actively managed, while FGDL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLCB returned 4.02%/yr vs 31.80%/yr for FGDL. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

FLCB vs. FGDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF (FLCB) and Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLCB achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly lower than FGDL's 3.56% return.

FLCB

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.52%
• 1Y: 5.33%
• 3Y*: 4.02%
• 5Y*: 0.07%
• 10Y*: —

FGDL

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: -2.69%
• YTD: 3.56%
• 6M: 5.99%
• 1Y: 32.26%
• 3Y*: 31.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLCB vs. FGDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLCB Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF	0.41%	6.95%	1.59%	5.72%	-2.98%
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	3.56%	64.15%	27.31%	12.92%	0.91%

Correlation

The correlation between FLCB and FGDL is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2022	0.33

Return for Risk

FLCB vs. FGDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLCB

FLCB Risk / Return Rank: 37
FLCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FLCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
FLCB Omega Ratio Rank: 37
FLCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
FLCB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

FGDL

FGDL Risk / Return Rank: 33
FGDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FGDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FGDL Omega Ratio Rank: 36
FGDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
FGDL Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

FLCB vs. FGDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF (FLCB) and Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL). 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.

	FLCB	FGDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.21	+0.18
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.59	+0.45
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.24	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.77	1.83	-0.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.46	4.52	+0.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLCB vs. FGDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLCB Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the FGDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLCB and FGDL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FLCB	FGDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	1.21	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	1.37	-1.20

Drawdowns

FLCB vs. FGDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLCB drawdown since its inception was -18.82%, roughly equal to the maximum FGDL drawdown of -19.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLCB and FGDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLCB	FGDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.82%	-19.23%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.85%	-19.23%	+16.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.16%	-19.23%	+13.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.22%	-17.26%	+15.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.63%	-3.81%	-2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	7.80%	-6.87%

Volatility

FLCB vs. FGDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF (FLCB) is 1.27%, while Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) has a volatility of 5.80%. This indicates that FLCB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FGDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLCB	FGDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	5.80%	-4.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.77%	23.15%	-20.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	26.84%	-22.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.75%	19.03%	-13.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.51%	19.03%	-13.52%

FLCB vs. FGDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FLCB and FGDL have an expense ratio of 0.15%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLCB vs. FGDL - Dividend Comparison

FLCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.30%, while FGDL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FLCB Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF	4.30%	4.19%	4.10%	3.40%	2.73%	2.28%	3.24%	0.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLCB and FGDL in my portfolio?

FLCB and FGDL have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLCB or FGDL?

FGDL has higher volatility (5.80%) compared to FLCB (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLCB dropped -18.82% vs FGDL's -19.23%.

Which ETF is better, FLCB or FGDL?

On 3-year performance, FGDL leads with 31.80% vs 4.02% for FLCB. Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. On volatility, FLCB has been the lower-risk option at 1.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLCB or FGDL?

Over the 3-year period, FGDL has performed better with a 31.80% return vs 4.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLCB or FGDL?

FLCB and FGDL have the same expense ratio: 0.15% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLCB or FGDL?

FLCB has the higher dividend yield at 4.30%, compared with 0.00% for FGDL.

What is the main difference between FLCB and FGDL?

FLCB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while FGDL is Precious Metals.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.21), 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.