FLEE vs QQQ
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
FLEE has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLEE offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLEE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $121M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.40% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.41% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.88% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.05% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLEE vs QQQ Performance
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) 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 FLEE returned +20.41% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, FLEE is up 10.40% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLEE compounded at +18.88% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.05% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +7.72%. 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 17.1% for FLEE. 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 -41.1% for FLEE 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLEE charges 0.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLEE currently yields 3.10% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLEE and QQQ share 2 holdings out of 590 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLEE or QQQ?
FLEE has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. FLEE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLEE or QQQ?
Over the past year FLEE returned +20.41% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLEE annualized +7.72% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLEE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for FLEE. Worst drawdown: FLEE -41.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLEE and QQQ?
FLEE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLEE and QQQ?
FLEE and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 590 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLEE or QQQ?
FLEE yields 3.10% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FLEE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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