FLQS vs SPY
Franklin US Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLQS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $53M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.33% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 499 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.93% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.46% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.50% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.03% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 26, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLQS vs SPY Performance
Franklin US Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FLQS) 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 FLQS returned +17.46% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, FLQS is up 15.93% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, FLQS compounded at +13.50% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.03% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLQS has the edge at +8.89% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLQS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -42.2% for FLQS 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLQS charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLQS currently yields 1.33% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLQS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 995 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 SPY?
FLQS has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLQS or SPY?
Over the past year FLQS returned +17.46% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLQS annualized +8.89% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLQS or SPY?
FLQS has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLQS -42.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLQS and SPY?
FLQS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLQS and SPY?
FLQS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 995 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLQS or SPY?
FLQS yields 1.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLQS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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