XDAT vs. FGDL

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

XDAT (Franklin Exponential Data ETF) and FGDL (Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XDAT is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FGDL is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). XDAT is actively managed, while FGDL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, XDAT returned 9.78%/yr vs 27.30%/yr for FGDL. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XDAT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for FGDL.

Performance

XDAT vs. FGDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) 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, XDAT achieves a -0.59% return, which is significantly higher than FGDL's -6.39% return.

XDAT

• 1D: 2.00%
• 1M: 5.77%
• 6M: 0.15%
• YTD: -0.59%
• 1Y: -3.13%
• 3Y*: 9.78%
• 5Y*: -0.62%
• 10Y*: —

FGDL

• 1D: 1.35%
• 1M: -3.68%
• 6M: -11.71%
• YTD: -6.39%
• 1Y: 20.86%
• 3Y*: 27.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDAT vs. FGDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
XDAT Franklin Exponential Data ETF	-0.59%	1.87%	16.54%	45.77%	-10.33%
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	-6.39%	64.15%	27.31%	12.92%	0.72%

Correlation

The correlation between XDAT and FGDL is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2022	0.14

Return for Risk

XDAT vs. FGDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

XDAT

XDAT Risk / Return Rank: 8
XDAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Omega Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Martin Ratio Rank: 8

FGDL

FGDL Risk / Return Rank: 23
FGDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
FGDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FGDL Omega Ratio Rank: 27
FGDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
FGDL Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

XDAT vs. FGDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) 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.

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.

	XDAT	FGDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.13	0.74	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.01	1.09	-1.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.16	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.11	0.79	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.22	1.91	-2.13

XDAT vs. FGDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XDAT Sharpe Ratio is -0.13, which is lower than the FGDL Sharpe Ratio of 0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XDAT and FGDL, 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

XDAT vs. FGDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDAT drawdown since its inception was -54.87%, which is greater than FGDL's maximum drawdown of -26.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDAT and FGDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDAT	FGDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.87%	-26.48%	-28.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.56%	-26.48%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.56%	-26.48%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.83%	-25.20%	+8.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.78%	-4.36%	-21.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.51%	10.94%	+3.57%

Volatility

XDAT vs. FGDL - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) and Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) have volatilities of 7.31% and 7.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XDAT	FGDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.31%	7.17%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.64%	24.42%	-3.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.63%	28.14%	-3.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.64%	19.40%	+10.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.39%	19.40%	+9.99%

XDAT vs. FGDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDAT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than FGDL's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDAT vs. FGDL - Dividend Comparison

Neither XDAT nor FGDL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XDAT Franklin Exponential Data ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDAT and FGDL in my portfolio?

XDAT and FGDL have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XDAT or FGDL?

XDAT has higher volatility (7.31%) compared to FGDL (7.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XDAT dropped -54.87% vs FGDL's -26.48%.

Which ETF is better, XDAT or FGDL?

On 3-year performance, FGDL leads with 27.30% vs 9.78% for XDAT. On fees, FGDL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FGDL has been the lower-risk option at 7.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XDAT or FGDL?

Over the 3-year period, FGDL has performed better with a 27.30% return vs 9.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XDAT or FGDL?

FGDL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for XDAT.

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

XDAT and FGDL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between XDAT and FGDL?

XDAT is categorized as Technology Equities, while FGDL is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for XDAT and 0.15% for FGDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.74 vs -0.13), 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.