FLCO vs QQQ
Franklin Investment Grade Corporate ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLCO offers more diversification with 229 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLCO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $559M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.75% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 229 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.09% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.08% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.40% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLCO vs QQQ Performance
Franklin Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FLCO) 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 FLCO returned +2.08% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, FLCO is down 0.09% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLCO compounded at +5.55% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.40% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +0.48%. 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 7.4% for FLCO. 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 -23.9% for FLCO 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLCO charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLCO currently yields 4.75% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLCO and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 275 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLCO or QQQ?
FLCO has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLCO or QQQ?
Over the past year FLCO returned +2.08% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FLCO annualized +0.48% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLCO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.4% for FLCO. Worst drawdown: FLCO -23.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLCO and QQQ?
FLCO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLCO and QQQ?
FLCO and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 275 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLCO or QQQ?
FLCO yields 4.75% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FLCO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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