FLQS vs QQQ
Franklin US Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLQS offers more diversification with 499 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLQS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $53M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.33% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 499 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.14% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.62% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.55% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.17% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 26, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLQS vs QQQ Performance
Franklin US Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FLQS) 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 FLQS returned +17.62% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, FLQS is up 16.14% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLQS compounded at +13.55% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.17% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +8.91%. 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 18.6% for FLQS. 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 -42.2% for FLQS 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLQS 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, FLQS currently yields 1.33% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLQS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 593 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, FLQS or QQQ?
FLQS 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, FLQS or QQQ?
Over the past year FLQS returned +17.62% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLQS annualized +8.91% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLQS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.6% for FLQS. Worst drawdown: FLQS -42.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLQS and QQQ?
FLQS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLQS and QQQ?
FLQS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLQS or QQQ?
FLQS yields 1.33% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FLQS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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