FGDL vs QQQ
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, FGDL or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
FGDL has a lower expense ratio. FGDL led over 3Y, QQQ over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGDL | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15%Best | 0.18% |
| AUM | $446M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 2 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +0.51% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.64% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.18%Best | +25.63% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.24% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8%Best | 19.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -22.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.2 years | $23,995 | $26,265Best |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 30, 2022 to Sep 18, 2026 (4.2 years).
FGDL vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.2 years both funds cover.
FGDL vs QQQ Performance
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FGDL returned +19.64% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, FGDL is up 0.51% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Over three years, FGDL compounded at +31.18% per year against +25.63% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +25.85% annualized vs +23.17%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% compared with 17.8% for FGDL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.6% for FGDL and -22.8% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.04. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGDL charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGDL currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FGDL and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGDL or QQQ?
FGDL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. FGDL is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FGDL or QQQ?
Over the past year FGDL returned +19.64% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FGDL annualized +23.17% vs +25.85% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FGDL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 17.8% for FGDL. Worst drawdown: FGDL -26.6% vs QQQ -22.8%.
Should I hold both FGDL and QQQ?
FGDL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGDL or QQQ?
FGDL yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than FGDL?
FGDL has a lower expense ratio. FGDL led over 3Y, QQQ over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.