FLEE vs VTI
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLEE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $121M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.40% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.41% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.88% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.05% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
FLEE vs VTI Performance
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLEE returned +20.41% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FLEE is up 10.40% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FLEE compounded at +18.88% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.05% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLEE charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLEE currently yields 3.10% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FLEE and VTI share 6 holdings out of 3271 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLEE or VTI?
FLEE has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLEE or VTI?
Over the past year FLEE returned +20.41% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLEE annualized +7.72% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLEE or VTI?
FLEE has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FLEE -41.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FLEE and VTI?
FLEE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLEE and VTI?
FLEE and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3271 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLEE or VTI?
FLEE yields 3.10% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLEE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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