FSML vs. FGDL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and FGDL (Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSML is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FGDL is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). FSML is actively managed, while FGDL is passively managed. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for FGDL.

Performance

FSML vs. FGDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) 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, FSML achieves a 14.90% return, which is significantly higher than FGDL's -0.26% return.

FSML

• 1D: -3.10%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 14.90%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FGDL

• 1D: -3.65%
• 1M: -8.15%
• YTD: -0.26%
• 6M: 2.57%
• 1Y: 28.09%
• 3Y*: 29.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSML vs. FGDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	14.90%	-3.75%
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	-0.26%	1.03%

Correlation

The correlation between FSML and FGDL is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2025	0.32

Return for Risk

FSML vs. FGDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGDL

FGDL Risk / Return Rank: 29
FGDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
FGDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
FGDL Omega Ratio Rank: 32
FGDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
FGDL Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

FSML vs. FGDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FSML	FGDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	1.30	-0.15

Drawdowns

FSML vs. FGDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, smaller than the maximum FGDL drawdown of -20.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and FGDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSML	FGDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-20.31%	+9.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.31%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-20.31%	+17.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-3.86%	+1.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.06%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSML	FGDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.75%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.50%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.71%	27.05%	-6.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.71%	19.11%	+1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.71%	19.11%	+1.60%

FSML vs. FGDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than FGDL's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSML vs. FGDL - Dividend Comparison

FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, while FGDL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	0.16%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSML and FGDL in my portfolio?

FSML and FGDL have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FSML or FGDL?

On fees, FGDL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSML or FGDL?

FGDL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FSML.

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

FSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.16%, compared with 0.00% for FGDL.

What is the main difference between FSML and FGDL?

FSML is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while FGDL is Precious Metals. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 0.15% for FGDL.