FGDL vs SPY
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FGDL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGDL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $415M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.20% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.33% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.43% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FGDL vs SPY Performance
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FGDL returned +29.33% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, FGDL is down 0.20% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, FGDL compounded at +31.43% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, FGDL has the edge at +23.57% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGDL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGDL charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGDL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGDL or SPY?
FGDL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGDL or SPY?
Over the past year FGDL returned +29.33% vs +21.96% for SPY, so FGDL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FGDL annualized +23.57% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGDL or SPY?
FGDL has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FGDL -26.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FGDL and SPY?
FGDL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGDL or SPY?
FGDL yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.