FLQL vs. EMLP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLQL (Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF) and EMLP (First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FLQL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the LibertyQ U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while EMLP is a MLPs fund actively managed by First Trust. FLQL is passively managed, while EMLP is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLQL returned 14.70%/yr vs 15.47%/yr for EMLP. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLQL charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for EMLP.

Performance

FLQL vs. EMLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLQL achieves a 12.66% return, which is significantly lower than EMLP's 14.62% return.

FLQL

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 5.00%
• YTD: 12.66%
• 6M: 12.54%
• 1Y: 29.48%
• 3Y*: 23.56%
• 5Y*: 14.70%
• 10Y*: —

EMLP

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -3.08%
• YTD: 14.62%
• 6M: 13.20%
• 1Y: 18.77%
• 3Y*: 21.22%
• 5Y*: 15.47%
• 10Y*: 10.24%

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

FLQL vs. EMLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLQL Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF	12.66%	19.64%	24.33%	23.58%	-14.83%	26.58%	10.67%	29.09%	-2.79%	15.04%
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	14.62%	9.67%	33.39%	8.05%	10.39%	23.20%	-13.36%	23.40%	-8.70%	-0.01%

Correlation

The correlation between FLQL and EMLP is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2017	0.52

Over the past year, the correlation between FLQL and EMLP has dropped to 0.16 - well below their long-term average of 0.52, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FLQL vs. EMLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLQL	EMLP
Technology	34.3%	-
Communication Services	12.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	-
Healthcare	10.5%	-
Industrials	10.0%	3.9%
Financial Services	9.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	-
Real Estate	2.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	0.6%
Utilities	1.6%	47.4%
Energy	1.0%	48.1%

Return for Risk

FLQL vs. EMLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLQL

FLQL Risk / Return Rank: 71
FLQL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
FLQL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FLQL Omega Ratio Rank: 70
FLQL Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
FLQL Martin Ratio Rank: 79

EMLP

EMLP Risk / Return Rank: 61
EMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
EMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
EMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 51
EMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
EMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

FLQL vs. EMLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP). 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.

	FLQL	EMLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	1.89	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.24	2.73	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.32	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	3.82	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.42	12.42	+3.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLQL vs. EMLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLQL Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the EMLP Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLQL and EMLP, 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

	FLQL	EMLP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	1.89	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92	1.07	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.86	0.57	+0.29

Drawdowns

FLQL vs. EMLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLQL drawdown since its inception was -33.64%, smaller than the maximum EMLP drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLQL and EMLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLQL	EMLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.64%	-43.61%	+9.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.05%	-4.94%	-4.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.32%	-11.47%	-7.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.41%	-14.59%	-6.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-3.62%	+3.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.04%	-5.76%	+1.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	1.52%	+0.40%

Volatility

FLQL vs. EMLP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) is 3.19%, while First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) has a volatility of 4.10%. This indicates that FLQL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMLP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLQL	EMLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.19%	4.10%	-0.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.21%	7.87%	+2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.85%	9.97%	+2.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	14.53%	+1.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.50%	17.69%	-0.19%

FLQL vs. EMLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLQL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than EMLP's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLQL vs. EMLP - Dividend Comparison

FLQL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, less than EMLP's 2.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	2.79%	3.18%	3.19%	3.92%	3.15%	3.29%	4.70%	3.71%	4.71%	3.80%	3.62%	4.63%
FLQL Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF	1.01%	1.10%	1.13%	1.50%	2.07%	1.81%	1.99%	1.78%	1.82%	1.22%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLQL and EMLP in my portfolio?

FLQL and EMLP have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLQL or EMLP?

EMLP has higher volatility (4.10%) compared to FLQL (3.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLQL dropped -33.64% vs EMLP's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, FLQL or EMLP?

On 5-year performance, EMLP leads with 15.47% vs 14.70% for FLQL. On fees, FLQL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FLQL has been the lower-risk option at 3.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLQL or EMLP?

Over the 5-year period, EMLP has performed better with a 15.47% return vs 14.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLQL or EMLP?

FLQL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for EMLP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLQL or EMLP?

EMLP has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 1.01% for FLQL.

What is the main difference between FLQL and EMLP?

FLQL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while EMLP is MLPs. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for FLQL and 0.96% for EMLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLQL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.89), 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.