FGDL vs VOO
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FGDL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGDL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $415M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.20% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.33% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.43% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FGDL vs VOO Performance
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FGDL returned +29.33% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, FGDL is down 0.20% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, FGDL compounded at +31.43% per year against +21.80% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, FGDL has the edge at +23.57% annualized vs +13.61%. 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 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGDL currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGDL or VOO?
FGDL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGDL or VOO?
Over the past year FGDL returned +29.33% vs +22.02% for VOO, so FGDL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FGDL annualized +23.57% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGDL or VOO?
FGDL has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FGDL -26.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FGDL and VOO?
FGDL and VOO 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 VOO?
FGDL yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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