FLQS vs GSC
Franklin US Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF vs Goldman Sachs Small Cap Equity ETF
Which is better, FLQS or GSC?
GSC has been ahead.
FLQS has a lower expense ratio. GSC led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. FLQS is less concentrated, with 9.7% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 16.3%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLQS | GSC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35%Best | 0.75% |
| AUM | $50M | $286M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 0.22% |
| Holdings | 497 | 197 |
| YTD Return | +9.82% | +10.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.87% | +14.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.65% | +14.86%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.25% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3%Best | 18.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1%Best | -27.0% |
| $10,000 over 3 years | $14,444 | $15,416Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 9.7%Best | 16.3% |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Goldman Sachs Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 26, 2017 | Oct 3, 2023 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 5, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3 years).
FLQS vs GSC growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3 years both funds cover.
FLQS vs GSC Performance
Franklin US Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FLQS) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Goldman Sachs Small Cap Equity ETF (GSC) is an ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Over the past year FLQS returned +9.87% while GSC returned +14.01%. Year to date, FLQS is up 9.82% versus a gain of 10.48% for GSC.
Over three years, FLQS compounded at +12.65% per year against +14.86% for GSC.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 17.3% 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 -23.1% for FLQS and -27.0% for GSC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLQS charges 0.35% per year while GSC charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $75 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLQS currently yields 1.57% against 0.22% for GSC.
Holdings Overlap
9.6% of FLQS's money is in holdings GSC also owns. 24.6% of GSC's money is in holdings FLQS also owns.
GSC and FLQS share little of their money.
22 positions in common, counted across the 491 positions we hold weights for in FLQS and 98 in GSC, against full books of 497 and 197.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 70 positions for GSC that do not appear in our book for FLQS (71.2% of the fund), and 447 for FLQS that do not appear in GSC (86.2%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLQS | Weight in GSC | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALKS:IEAlkermes Plc. Ordinary Shares | 0.94% | 1.49% | 0.55% |
| GKOSGlaukos Corp Common Stock Usd 0.001 | 0.59% | 1.77% | 1.18% |
| FROGJfrog Ltd | 0.67% | 1.39% | 0.72% |
| OFCCorporate Office Properties Trust | 0.43% | 1.40% | 0.97% |
| SXIStandex International Corp | 0.41% | 1.39% | 0.98% |
| NMIHNmi Holdings Inc. | 0.23% | 1.49% | 1.26% |
| CHEFChefs' Warehouse, Inc. | 0.50% | 1.20% | 0.70% |
| SRSpire Inc. | 0.57% | 1.10% | 0.53% |
| GFFGriffon Corp. | 0.42% | 1.25% | 0.83% |
| NICNicolet Bankshares Inc Common Stock | 0.29% | 1.36% | 1.07% |
24.6% of GSC is already inside FLQS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLQS or GSC?
FLQS has an expense ratio of 0.35% while GSC charges 0.75%. FLQS is the cheaper option, by $40 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLQS or GSC?
Over the past year FLQS returned +9.87% vs +14.01% for GSC, so GSC leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLQS or GSC?
GSC has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 17.3% for FLQS. Worst drawdown: FLQS -23.1% vs GSC -27.0%.
Should I hold both FLQS and GSC?
FLQS and GSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FLQS and GSC?
24.6% of GSC's money is in holdings FLQS also owns. 24.6% of GSC's is in holdings FLQS also owns. They hold 22 positions in common, counted across the 491 positions we hold weights for in FLQS and 98 in GSC.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLQS or GSC?
FLQS yields 1.57% while GSC yields 0.22%, so FLQS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GSC better than FLQS?
FLQS has a lower expense ratio. GSC led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. FLQS is less concentrated, with 9.7% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 16.3%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.