FLEE vs VYM
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLEE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $121M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.66% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.79% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.63% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FLEE vs VYM Performance
Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLEE returned +19.79% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, FLEE is up 9.66% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, FLEE compounded at +18.63% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLEE has the edge at +7.64% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLEE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLEE charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLEE currently yields 3.10% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FLEE and VYM share 3 holdings out of 1090 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 VYM?
FLEE has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLEE or VYM?
Over the past year FLEE returned +19.79% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLEE annualized +7.64% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLEE or VYM?
FLEE has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FLEE -41.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FLEE and VYM?
FLEE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLEE and VYM?
FLEE and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1090 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLEE or VYM?
FLEE yields 3.10% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FLEE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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