FGDL vs QQQ
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
FGDL has a lower expense ratio. FGDL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGDL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $448M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.07% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.24% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.36% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FGDL vs QQQ Performance
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FGDL returned +38.24% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FGDL is up 6.07% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FGDL compounded at +34.36% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, FGDL has the edge at +25.26% annualized vs +13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 18.4% 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 -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGDL or QQQ?
Over the past year FGDL returned +38.24% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so FGDL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FGDL annualized +25.26% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGDL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.4% for FGDL. Worst drawdown: FGDL -26.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FGDL and QQQ?
FGDL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
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.
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