FLQL vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLQL (Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - FLQL tracks the LibertyQ U.S. Large Cap Equity Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLQL returned 14.70%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FLQL charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FLQL vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

FLQL

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

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

FLQL vs. VUG - 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	14.07%

Correlation

The correlation between FLQL and VUG is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2017	0.83

The correlation between FLQL and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLQL vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLQL	VUG
Technology	34.3%	53.5%
Communication Services	12.2%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	12.2%
Healthcare	10.5%	4.6%
Industrials	10.0%	3.6%
Financial Services	9.9%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	1.5%
Real Estate	2.9%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.7%	0.6%
Utilities	1.6%	0.9%
Energy	1.0%	0.4%

Return for Risk

FLQL vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	1.77	+0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.24	2.40	+0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.31	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	1.69	+1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.42	5.92	+9.50
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. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLQL Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLQL and VUG, 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	1.77	+0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92	0.68	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.86	0.62	+0.24

Drawdowns

FLQL vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLQL drawdown since its inception was -33.64%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLQL and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLQL	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.64%	-50.68%	+17.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.05%	-16.53%	+7.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.32%	-22.85%	+3.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.41%	-35.61%	+14.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-1.51%	+1.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.04%	-7.09%	+3.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	4.71%	-2.79%

Volatility

FLQL vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF (FLQL) is 3.19%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that FLQL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLQL	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.19%	3.83%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.21%	12.11%	-1.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.85%	15.84%	-2.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	22.22%	-6.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.50%	21.44%	-3.94%

FLQL vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLQL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLQL vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FLQL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLQL and VUG in my portfolio?

FLQL and VUG have a correlation of 0.88, 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 VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to FLQL (3.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLQL dropped -33.64% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, FLQL or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.11% vs 14.70% for FLQL. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% 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 VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.11% 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 VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for FLQL.

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

FLQL has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between FLQL and VUG?

FLQL tracks LibertyQ U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for FLQL and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLQL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.77), 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.