FLEU vs QQQ
Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
FLEU has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLEU offers more diversification with 265 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLEU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $74M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.68% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 265 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.34% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.09% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.58% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.71% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLEU vs QQQ Performance
Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF (FLEU) 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 FLEU returned +20.09% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, FLEU is up 11.34% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLEU compounded at +20.58% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.71% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +8.55%. 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 15.7% for FLEU. 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 -35.6% for FLEU 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLEU 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, FLEU currently yields 2.68% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLEU and QQQ share 2 holdings out of 355 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, FLEU or QQQ?
FLEU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. FLEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLEU or QQQ?
Over the past year FLEU returned +20.09% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLEU annualized +8.55% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLEU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.7% for FLEU. Worst drawdown: FLEU -35.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLEU and QQQ?
FLEU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLEU and QQQ?
FLEU and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 355 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLEU or QQQ?
FLEU yields 2.68% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FLEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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