FLQM vs. FGDL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FLQM (Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) and FGDL (Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLQM is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index, while FGDL is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLQM returned 11.25%/yr vs 31.80%/yr for FGDL. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLQM charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for FGDL.

Performance

FLQM vs. FGDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (FLQM) 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, FLQM achieves a 1.19% return, which is significantly lower than FGDL's 3.56% return.

FLQM

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 1.19%
• 6M: 1.68%
• 1Y: 8.05%
• 3Y*: 11.25%
• 5Y*: 6.90%
• 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)

FLQM vs. FGDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLQM Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	1.19%	5.16%	14.32%	17.47%	8.08%
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	3.56%	64.15%	27.31%	12.92%	0.91%

Correlation

The correlation between FLQM and FGDL is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2022	0.15

Return for Risk

FLQM vs. FGDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLQM

FLQM Risk / Return Rank: 21
FLQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
FLQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
FLQM Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FLQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FLQM Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

FLQM vs. FGDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (FLQM) 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.

	FLQM	FGDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	1.21	-0.55
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.07	1.59	-0.52
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.24	-0.12
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.06	1.83	-0.78
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.97	4.52	-1.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLQM vs. FGDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLQM Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is lower than the FGDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLQM 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

	FLQM	FGDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66	1.21	-0.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.58	1.37	-0.79

Drawdowns

FLQM vs. FGDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLQM drawdown since its inception was -37.26%, which is greater than FGDL's maximum drawdown of -19.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLQM and FGDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLQM	FGDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.26%	-19.23%	-18.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.57%	-19.23%	+11.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.70%	-19.23%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.51%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.86%	-17.26%	+14.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.92%	-3.81%	-1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	7.80%	-5.10%

Volatility

FLQM vs. FGDL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (FLQM) is 2.91%, while Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) has a volatility of 5.80%. This indicates that FLQM 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

	FLQM	FGDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	5.80%	-2.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.35%	23.15%	-14.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.18%	26.84%	-14.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.39%	19.03%	-2.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.48%	19.03%	-0.55%

FLQM vs. FGDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLQM has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than FGDL's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLQM vs. FGDL - Dividend Comparison

FLQM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, while FGDL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FLQM Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	1.51%	1.49%	1.28%	1.27%	1.33%	1.05%	1.10%	1.37%	1.42%	1.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLQM and FGDL in my portfolio?

FLQM and FGDL have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLQM or FGDL?

FGDL has higher volatility (5.80%) compared to FLQM (2.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLQM dropped -37.26% vs FGDL's -19.23%.

Which ETF is better, FLQM or FGDL?

On 3-year performance, FGDL leads with 31.80% vs 11.25% for FLQM. On fees, FGDL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FLQM has been the lower-risk option at 2.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLQM or FGDL?

Over the 3-year period, FGDL has performed better with a 31.80% return vs 11.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLQM or FGDL?

FGDL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for FLQM.

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

FLQM has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 0.00% for FGDL.

What is the main difference between FLQM and FGDL?

FLQM is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while FGDL is Precious Metals. FLQM tracks LibertyQ U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index, while FGDL tracks LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). Their fees differ too: 0.30% for FLQM and 0.15% for FGDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.66), 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.