FSMD vs. FLQS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) and FLQS (Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - FSMD tracks the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index while FLQS tracks the LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSMD returned 9.66%/yr vs 5.27%/yr for FLQS. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSMD charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for FLQS.

Performance

FSMD vs. FLQS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMD achieves a 14.85% return, which is significantly higher than FLQS's 6.14% return.

FSMD

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 3.46%
• YTD: 14.85%
• 6M: 14.81%
• 1Y: 25.71%
• 3Y*: 17.63%
• 5Y*: 9.66%
• 10Y*: —

FLQS

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 6.14%
• 6M: 5.99%
• 1Y: 13.84%
• 3Y*: 11.59%
• 5Y*: 5.27%
• 10Y*: —

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

FSMD vs. FLQS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	14.85%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	8.94%	8.81%
FLQS Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF	6.14%	5.04%	8.34%	21.28%	-16.88%	26.58%	10.51%	4.68%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMD and FLQS is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2019	0.94

The correlation between FSMD and FLQS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

FSMD vs. FLQS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSMD	FLQS
Industrials	20.7%	16.3%
Technology	18.2%	17.1%
Financial Services	15.4%	12.6%
Healthcare	11.6%	9.6%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	15.6%
Real Estate	6.2%	6.7%
Energy	4.6%	4.6%
Basic Materials	3.9%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	7.8%
Communication Services	2.8%	1.9%
Utilities	2.2%	5.8%

Return for Risk

FSMD vs. FLQS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 53
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 61

FLQS

FLQS Risk / Return Rank: 28
FLQS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FLQS Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
FLQS Omega Ratio Rank: 25
FLQS Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
FLQS Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

FSMD vs. FLQS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FSMD	FLQS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	0.91	+0.78
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	1.44	+1.03
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.17	+0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	1.54	+1.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.03	4.55	+6.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSMD vs. FLQS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the FLQS Sharpe Ratio of 0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSMD and FLQS, 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

	FSMD	FLQS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	0.91	+0.78
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.28	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.38	+0.18

Drawdowns

FSMD vs. FLQS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMD drawdown since its inception was -40.67%, roughly equal to the maximum FLQS drawdown of -42.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMD and FLQS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMD	FLQS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.67%	-42.16%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.44%	-9.00%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.16%	-23.12%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.16%	-28.05%	+5.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-1.33%	+1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.00%	-8.02%	+2.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	3.05%	-0.71%

Volatility

FSMD vs. FLQS - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) has a higher volatility of 4.45% compared to Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (FLQS) at 4.09%. This indicates that FSMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLQS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSMD	FLQS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	4.09%	+0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.37%	10.26%	+1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.26%	15.22%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	19.24%	-0.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.42%	21.68%	-0.26%

FSMD vs. FLQS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMD has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than FLQS's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSMD vs. FLQS - Dividend Comparison

FSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, less than FLQS's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLQS Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF	1.35%	1.16%	1.29%	1.75%	1.40%	0.95%	1.20%	1.41%	1.27%	1.02%
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.21%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMD and FLQS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FSMD and FLQS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FSMD or FLQS?

FSMD has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to FLQS (4.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSMD dropped -40.67% vs FLQS's -42.16%.

Which ETF is better, FSMD or FLQS?

On 5-year performance, FSMD leads with 9.66% vs 5.27% for FLQS. On fees, FSMD is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, FLQS has been the lower-risk option at 4.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSMD or FLQS?

Over the 5-year period, FSMD has performed better with a 9.66% return vs 5.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSMD or FLQS?

FSMD is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for FLQS.

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

FLQS has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.21% for FSMD.

What is the main difference between FSMD and FLQS?

FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while FLQS tracks LibertyQ U.S. Small Cap Equity Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for FSMD and 0.35% for FLQS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 0.91), 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.