FPX vs. IQM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FPX (First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF) and IQM (Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FPX is passively managed, while IQM is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FPX returned 9.53%/yr vs 20.13%/yr for IQM. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FPX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for IQM.

Performance

FPX vs. IQM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) and Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FPX achieves a 19.68% return, which is significantly lower than IQM's 35.15% return.

FPX

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 19.68%
• 6M: 15.47%
• 1Y: 39.59%
• 3Y*: 32.36%
• 5Y*: 9.53%
• 10Y*: 15.44%

IQM

• 1D: -6.20%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 35.15%
• 6M: 31.71%
• 1Y: 66.07%
• 3Y*: 35.52%
• 5Y*: 20.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

FPX vs. IQM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FPX First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF	19.68%	37.62%	24.75%	22.26%	-35.11%	3.69%	47.52%
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	35.15%	30.76%	31.03%	41.06%	-33.36%	25.18%	76.92%

Correlation

The correlation between FPX and IQM is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2020	0.85

The correlation between FPX and IQM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

FPX vs. IQM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FPX	IQM
Healthcare	22.5%	1.0%
Technology	20.6%	68.4%
Industrials	12.7%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	2.9%
Financial Services	8.8%	-
Communication Services	7.8%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	-
Energy	3.9%	2.3%
Real Estate	3.9%	-
Basic Materials	2.9%	-
Utilities	2.0%	3.2%

Return for Risk

FPX vs. IQM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPX

FPX Risk / Return Rank: 53
FPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
FPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
FPX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
FPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FPX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

IQM

IQM Risk / Return Rank: 70
IQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
IQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IQM Omega Ratio Rank: 61
IQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IQM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

FPX vs. IQM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) and Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM). 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.

	FPX	IQM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	2.11	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.52	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.35	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	4.52	-1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.30	14.13	-3.82

FPX vs. IQM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the IQM Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPX and IQM, 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

FPX vs. IQM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPX drawdown since its inception was -56.29%, which is greater than IQM's maximum drawdown of -44.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPX and IQM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPX	IQM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.29%	-44.91%	-11.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.28%	-14.71%	+2.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.88%	-30.42%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.14%	-44.91%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.29%	-6.20%	+2.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.31%	-12.18%	+0.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.85%	4.69%	-0.84%

Volatility

FPX vs. IQM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) is 9.07%, while Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) has a volatility of 15.34%. This indicates that FPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IQM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FPX	IQM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.07%	15.34%	-6.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.03%	26.16%	-8.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.36%	31.47%	-7.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.74%	29.56%	-2.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.39%	31.10%	-6.71%

FPX vs. IQM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than IQM's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPX vs. IQM - Dividend Comparison

FPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, while IQM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPX First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF	0.48%	0.53%	0.09%	0.27%	1.08%	0.14%	0.28%	0.67%	0.88%	0.68%	0.77%	0.62%
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FPX and IQM in my portfolio?

FPX and IQM 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, FPX or IQM?

IQM has higher volatility (15.34%) compared to FPX (9.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPX dropped -56.29% vs IQM's -44.91%.

Which ETF is better, FPX or IQM?

On 5-year performance, IQM leads with 20.13% vs 9.53% for FPX. On fees, IQM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FPX has been the lower-risk option at 9.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPX or IQM?

Over the 5-year period, IQM has performed better with a 20.13% return vs 9.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPX or IQM?

IQM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for FPX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FPX or IQM?

FPX has the higher dividend yield at 0.48%, compared with 0.00% for IQM.

What is the main difference between FPX and IQM?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for FPX and 0.50% for IQM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.64), 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.