FLQL vs. MFUS

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

FLQL (Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF) and MFUS (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - FLQL tracks the LibertyQ U.S. Large Cap Equity Index while MFUS tracks the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Index​. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLQL returned 13.76%/yr vs 13.05%/yr for MFUS. Their correlation of 0.86 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FLQL charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for MFUS.

Performance

FLQL vs. MFUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF (MFUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLQL achieves a 13.02% return, which is significantly lower than MFUS's 16.56% return.

FLQL

• 1D: 1.19%
• 1M: 1.31%
• 6M: 9.21%
• YTD: 13.02%
• 1Y: 24.07%
• 3Y*: 21.95%
• 5Y*: 13.76%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 14.75%

MFUS

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: -0.34%
• 6M: 10.78%
• YTD: 16.56%
• 1Y: 25.93%
• 3Y*: 19.97%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.41%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FLQL Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF	$7.69M	$6.06M	$6.47M
MFUS PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF	$1.69M	$1.08M	$961.02K

FLQL vs. MFUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLQL Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF	13.02%	19.64%	24.33%	23.58%	-14.83%	26.58%	10.67%	29.09%	-2.79%	11.97%
MFUS PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF	16.56%	16.02%	20.17%	12.19%	-5.82%	24.10%	10.64%	26.17%	-7.30%	11.20%

Correlation

The correlation between FLQL and MFUS is 0.83, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2017	0.86

The correlation between FLQL and MFUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLQL vs. MFUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLQL	MFUS
Technology	39.4%	25.8%
Communication Services	10.5%	4.6%
Healthcare	10.2%	14.7%
Financial Services	9.6%	11.3%
Industrials	9.0%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	9.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	9.3%
Real Estate	2.7%	2.0%
Energy	2.6%	6.6%
Utilities	2.0%	1.3%
Basic Materials	1.7%	2.5%

Return for Risk

FLQL vs. MFUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FLQL

FLQL Risk / Return Rank: 74
FLQL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FLQL Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
FLQL Omega Ratio Rank: 71
FLQL Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FLQL Martin Ratio Rank: 83

MFUS

MFUS Risk / Return Rank: 90
MFUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
MFUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
MFUS Omega Ratio Rank: 89
MFUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
MFUS Martin Ratio Rank: 91

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FLQL vs. MFUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF (MFUS). 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.

	FLQL	MFUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.29	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	3.28	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.41	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	4.08	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.86	15.40	-3.54

FLQL vs. MFUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLQL Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the MFUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLQL and MFUS, 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

FLQL vs. MFUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLQL drawdown since its inception was -33.64%, roughly equal to the maximum MFUS drawdown of -35.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLQL and MFUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLQL	MFUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.64%	-35.21%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.05%	-6.39%	-2.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.32%	-15.39%	-3.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.41%	-18.22%	-3.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-2.18%	+1.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.00%	-3.95%	-0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	1.69%	+0.34%

Volatility

FLQL vs. MFUS - Volatility Comparison

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) has a higher volatility of 4.49% compared to PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF (MFUS) at 2.92%. This indicates that FLQL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MFUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLQL	MFUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	2.92%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.45%	9.12%	+2.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.09%	11.41%	+2.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	15.02%	+1.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.49%	17.28%	+0.21%

FLQL vs. MFUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLQL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than MFUS's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLQL vs. MFUS - Dividend Comparison

FLQL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than MFUS's 1.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLQL Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF	1.02%	1.10%	1.13%	1.50%	2.07%	1.81%	1.99%	1.78%	1.82%	1.22%
MFUS PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF	1.37%	1.54%	1.45%	1.96%	2.07%	1.35%	1.72%	1.89%	1.69%	1.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLQL and MFUS in my portfolio?

FLQL and MFUS have a correlation of 0.83, 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 MFUS?

FLQL has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to MFUS (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLQL dropped -33.64% vs MFUS's -35.21%.

Which ETF is better, FLQL or MFUS?

On 5-year performance, FLQL leads with 13.76% vs 13.05% for MFUS. On fees, FLQL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, MFUS has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLQL or MFUS?

Over the 5-year period, FLQL has performed better with a 13.76% return vs 13.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLQL or MFUS?

FLQL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for MFUS.

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

MFUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 1.02% for FLQL.

What is the main difference between FLQL and MFUS?

FLQL tracks LibertyQ U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while MFUS tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Index​. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for FLQL and 0.30% for MFUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.72), 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.