FLEE vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLEE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $121M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.37% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.58% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.09% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLEE vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLEE returned +20.58% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, FLEE is up 10.37% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLEE compounded at +19.09% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLEE has the edge at +7.72% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLEE charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLEE currently yields 3.10% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLEE and VXUS share 348 holdings out of 8011 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLEE or VXUS?
FLEE has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLEE or VXUS?
Over the past year FLEE returned +20.58% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLEE annualized +7.72% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLEE or VXUS?
FLEE has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLEE -41.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLEE and VXUS?
FLEE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FLEE and VXUS?
FLEE and VXUS share 348 common holdings with a 19.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8011 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLEE or VXUS?
FLEE yields 3.10% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FLEE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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