FLGB vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE United Kingdom 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 | FLGB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $933M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.85% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.55% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.16% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.00% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.93% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLGB vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB) 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 FLGB returned +20.16% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FLGB is up 10.55% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLGB compounded at +20.00% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.93% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLGB has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLGB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -46.6% for FLGB 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLGB 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, FLGB currently yields 2.85% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLGB and VXUS share 79 holdings out of 7886 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLGB or VXUS?
FLGB 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, FLGB or VXUS?
Over the past year FLGB returned +20.16% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLGB annualized +7.06% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLGB or VXUS?
FLGB has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLGB -46.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLGB and VXUS?
FLGB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FLGB and VXUS?
FLGB and VXUS share 79 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLGB or VXUS?
FLGB yields 2.85% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FLGB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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