FLEE vs SCHD
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLEE offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLEE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $121M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.37% | +25.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.58% | +30.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.09% | +16.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +9.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FLEE vs SCHD Performance
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FLEE returned +20.58% while SCHD returned +30.41%. Year to date, FLEE is up 10.37% versus a gain of 25.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, FLEE compounded at +19.09% per year against +16.03% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +9.64% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +7.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLEE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLEE charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLEE currently yields 3.10% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FLEE and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 590 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, FLEE or SCHD?
FLEE has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLEE or SCHD?
Over the past year FLEE returned +20.58% vs +30.41% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLEE annualized +7.72% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLEE or SCHD?
FLEE has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FLEE -41.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FLEE and SCHD?
FLEE and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLEE and SCHD?
FLEE and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 590 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLEE or SCHD?
FLEE yields 3.10% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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