QAI vs. FLSP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QAI (IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF) and FLSP (Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF) are both Long-Short funds. QAI is passively managed, while FLSP is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, QAI returned 4.45%/yr vs 8.35%/yr for FLSP. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QAI charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FLSP.

Performance

QAI vs. FLSP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI) and Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF (FLSP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QAI achieves a 8.45% return, which is significantly higher than FLSP's 1.97% return.

QAI

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 8.45%
• 6M: 8.10%
• 1Y: 15.12%
• 3Y*: 9.95%
• 5Y*: 4.45%
• 10Y*: 3.94%

FLSP

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 1.97%
• 6M: 2.01%
• 1Y: 14.58%
• 3Y*: 10.33%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

QAI vs. FLSP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QAI IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	8.45%	8.29%	6.67%	10.07%	-8.68%	-0.16%	5.73%	0.18%
FLSP Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF	1.97%	15.56%	11.75%	3.14%	0.44%	11.44%	-15.19%	0.90%

Correlation

The correlation between QAI and FLSP is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2019	0.12

Return for Risk

QAI vs. FLSP — Risk / Return Rank

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

QAI

QAI Risk / Return Rank: 80
QAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
QAI Omega Ratio Rank: 81
QAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
QAI Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FLSP

FLSP Risk / Return Rank: 56
FLSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
FLSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FLSP Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FLSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
FLSP Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

QAI vs. FLSP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI) and Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF (FLSP). 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.

	QAI	FLSP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	1.62	+0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	2.31	+0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.28	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.09	3.63	+0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.12	10.82	+5.30

QAI vs. FLSP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QAI Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is higher than the FLSP Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QAI and FLSP, 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

QAI vs. FLSP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QAI drawdown since its inception was -14.95%, smaller than the maximum FLSP drawdown of -22.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QAI and FLSP.

Drawdown Indicators

	QAI	FLSP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.95%	-22.75%	+7.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.71%	-4.03%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.78%	-6.69%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.32%	-9.52%	-4.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.95%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-1.26%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.57%	-6.26%	+3.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	1.39%	-0.45%

Volatility

QAI vs. FLSP - Volatility Comparison

IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI) has a higher volatility of 3.12% compared to Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF (FLSP) at 1.79%. This indicates that QAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLSP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QAI	FLSP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.12%	1.79%	+1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.63%	6.78%	-1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.58%	9.07%	-2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.67%	13.35%	-6.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.23%	13.48%	-7.25%

QAI vs. FLSP - Expense Ratio Comparison

QAI has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than FLSP's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

QAI vs. FLSP - Dividend Comparison

QAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.39%, less than FLSP's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLSP Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF	2.60%	2.65%	1.18%	1.19%	2.18%	1.19%	8.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QAI IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	1.39%	1.50%	2.22%	4.08%	2.00%	0.28%	1.98%	1.91%	1.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QAI and FLSP in my portfolio?

QAI and FLSP have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QAI or FLSP?

QAI has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to FLSP (1.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QAI dropped -14.95% vs FLSP's -22.75%.

Which ETF is better, QAI or FLSP?

On 5-year performance, FLSP leads with 8.35% vs 4.45% for QAI. On fees, FLSP is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, FLSP has been the lower-risk option at 1.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QAI or FLSP?

Over the 5-year period, FLSP has performed better with a 8.35% return vs 4.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QAI or FLSP?

FLSP is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for QAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QAI or FLSP?

FLSP has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 1.39% for QAI.

What is the main difference between QAI and FLSP?

They also come from different issuers: New York Life and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for QAI and 0.65% for FLSP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.62), 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.