FLQS vs. VB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FLQS (Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLQS is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity Index, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLQS returned 6.10%/yr vs 7.39%/yr for VB. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FLQS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

FLQS vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (FLQS) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLQS achieves a 10.18% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 15.68% return.

FLQS

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 4.08%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 7.92%
• 1Y: 19.03%
• 3Y*: 13.04%
• 5Y*: 6.10%
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 2.83%
• YTD: 15.68%
• 6M: 13.00%
• 1Y: 30.17%
• 3Y*: 17.54%
• 5Y*: 7.39%
• 10Y*: 11.79%

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

FLQS vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLQS Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF	10.18%	5.04%	8.34%	21.28%	-16.88%	26.58%	10.51%	18.34%	-5.86%	7.41%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.68%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	10.07%

Correlation

The correlation between FLQS and VB is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2017	0.87

The correlation between FLQS and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLQS vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLQS	VB
Technology	18.2%	19.4%
Industrials	16.0%	20.6%
Consumer Cyclical	15.0%	10.9%
Financial Services	12.7%	12.3%
Healthcare	9.9%	11.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.8%	3.1%
Real Estate	6.7%	7.5%
Utilities	5.7%	3.1%
Energy	4.2%	4.2%
Basic Materials	2.1%	4.7%
Communication Services	1.8%	3.0%

Return for Risk

FLQS vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLQS

FLQS Risk / Return Rank: 39
FLQS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FLQS Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
FLQS Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FLQS Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FLQS Martin Ratio Rank: 40

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 60
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

FLQS vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (FLQS) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	FLQS	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.82	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	2.59	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.31	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	3.38	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.28	12.38	-6.11

FLQS vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLQS Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is lower than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLQS and VB, 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

FLQS vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLQS drawdown since its inception was -42.16%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLQS and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLQS	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.16%	-59.56%	+17.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.00%	-8.98%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.12%	-25.36%	+2.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.05%	-28.15%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-0.39%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.97%	-8.42%	+0.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	2.44%	+0.60%

Volatility

FLQS vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (FLQS) is 3.70%, while Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a volatility of 4.92%. This indicates that FLQS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLQS	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	4.92%	-1.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.46%	12.21%	-1.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.31%	16.66%	-1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.22%	20.78%	-1.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.64%	21.45%	+0.19%

FLQS vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLQS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLQS vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

FLQS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, more than VB's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLQS Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF	1.31%	1.16%	1.29%	1.75%	1.40%	0.95%	1.20%	1.41%	1.27%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLQS and VB in my portfolio?

FLQS and VB have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLQS or VB?

VB has higher volatility (4.92%) compared to FLQS (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLQS dropped -42.16% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, FLQS or VB?

On 5-year performance, VB leads with 7.39% vs 6.10% for FLQS. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, FLQS has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLQS or VB?

Over the 5-year period, VB has performed better with a 7.39% return vs 6.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLQS or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for FLQS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLQS or VB?

FLQS has the higher dividend yield at 1.31%, compared with 1.18% for VB.

What is the main difference between FLQS and VB?

FLQS is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. FLQS tracks LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity Index, while VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for FLQS and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.25), 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.