FLGB vs QQQ
Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
FLGB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLGB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $933M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.85% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.69% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.18% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.62% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLGB vs QQQ Performance
Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB) 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 FLGB returned +21.69% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FLGB is up 12.22% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLGB compounded at +21.18% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.62% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.22%. 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 16.9% for FLGB. 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 -46.6% for FLGB 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLGB 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, FLGB currently yields 2.85% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLGB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 198 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, FLGB or QQQ?
FLGB has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. FLGB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLGB or QQQ?
Over the past year FLGB returned +21.69% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLGB annualized +7.22% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLGB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for FLGB. Worst drawdown: FLGB -46.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLGB and QQQ?
FLGB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLGB and QQQ?
FLGB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 198 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLGB or QQQ?
FLGB yields 2.85% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FLGB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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