FLBL vs QQQ
FLBL vs QQQ
Franklin Senior Loan ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLBL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $850M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.40% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.58% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.17% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.81% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 30, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLBL vs QQQ Performance
Franklin Senior Loan ETF (FLBL) 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 FLBL returned -2.17% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, FLBL is down 1.58% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLBL compounded at +4.81% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.56% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +4.05%. 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 5.3% for FLBL. 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 -19.5% for FLBL 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLBL charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLBL currently yields 7.40% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLBL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 147 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, FLBL or QQQ?
FLBL has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLBL or QQQ?
Over the past year FLBL returned -2.17% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FLBL annualized +4.05% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLBL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.3% for FLBL. Worst drawdown: FLBL -19.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLBL and QQQ?
FLBL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLBL and QQQ?
FLBL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 147 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLBL or QQQ?
FLBL yields 7.40% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FLBL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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