GSST vs. FLUD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GSST (Goldman Sachs Ultra Short Bond ETF) and FLUD (Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSST returned 3.75%/yr vs 3.63%/yr for FLUD. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GSST charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for FLUD.

Performance

GSST vs. FLUD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Ultra Short Bond ETF (GSST) and Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF (FLUD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with GSST having a 1.55% return and FLUD slightly lower at 1.53%.

GSST

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 1.55%
• 6M: 1.88%
• 1Y: 4.61%
• 3Y*: 5.52%
• 5Y*: 3.75%
• 10Y*: —

FLUD

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 1.53%
• 6M: 1.88%
• 1Y: 4.60%
• 3Y*: 5.33%
• 5Y*: 3.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

GSST vs. FLUD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GSST Goldman Sachs Ultra Short Bond ETF	1.55%	5.20%	6.01%	6.08%	0.13%	0.05%	0.87%
FLUD Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF	1.53%	5.36%	5.44%	5.95%	0.16%	0.09%	0.77%

Correlation

The correlation between GSST and FLUD is 0.10, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.11
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2020	0.16

Return for Risk

GSST vs. FLUD — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSST

GSST Risk / Return Rank: 99
GSST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
GSST Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
GSST Omega Ratio Rank: 99
GSST Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
GSST Martin Ratio Rank: 99

FLUD

FLUD Risk / Return Rank: 92
FLUD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
FLUD Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
FLUD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
FLUD Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
FLUD Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

GSST vs. FLUD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Ultra Short Bond ETF (GSST) and Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF (FLUD). 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.

	GSST	FLUD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	7.98	2.76	+5.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	16.58	4.42	+12.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	3.94	1.60	+2.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	29.99	10.55	+19.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	185.54	41.82	+143.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GSST vs. FLUD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSST Sharpe Ratio is 7.98, which is higher than the FLUD Sharpe Ratio of 2.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSST and FLUD, 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

	GSST	FLUD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.98	2.76	+5.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	5.99	2.73	+3.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.78	2.59	+1.19

Drawdowns

GSST vs. FLUD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSST drawdown since its inception was -3.51%, which is greater than FLUD's maximum drawdown of -1.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSST and FLUD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSST	FLUD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.51%	-1.66%	-1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.15%	-0.44%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.25%	-0.59%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-1.19%	-1.66%	+0.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.16%	-0.24%	+0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.02%	0.11%	-0.09%

Volatility

GSST vs. FLUD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs Ultra Short Bond ETF (GSST) is 0.13%, while Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF (FLUD) has a volatility of 0.33%. This indicates that GSST experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLUD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSST	FLUD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.13%	0.33%	-0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.41%	0.74%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58%	1.68%	-1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.63%	1.34%	-0.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.86%	1.26%	-0.40%

GSST vs. FLUD - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSST has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is higher than FLUD's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GSST vs. FLUD - Dividend Comparison

GSST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.32%, more than FLUD's 4.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FLUD Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF	4.27%	4.51%	4.97%	4.72%	1.39%	0.92%	0.93%	0.00%
GSST Goldman Sachs Ultra Short Bond ETF	4.32%	4.56%	5.45%	4.98%	1.97%	0.71%	1.12%	1.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSST and FLUD in my portfolio?

GSST and FLUD have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSST or FLUD?

FLUD has higher volatility (0.33%) compared to GSST (0.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSST dropped -3.51% vs FLUD's -1.66%.

Which ETF is better, GSST or FLUD?

On 5-year performance, GSST leads with 3.75% vs 3.63% for FLUD. On fees, FLUD is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, GSST has been the lower-risk option at 0.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSST or FLUD?

Over the 5-year period, GSST has performed better with a 3.75% return vs 3.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSST or FLUD?

FLUD is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.16% for GSST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSST or FLUD?

GSST has the higher dividend yield at 4.32%, compared with 4.27% for FLUD.

What is the main difference between GSST and FLUD?

They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.16% for GSST and 0.15% for FLUD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (7.98 vs 2.76), 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.