FLMX vs QQQ
Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FLMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLMX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $86M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.23% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.52% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.84% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLMX vs QQQ Performance
Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) 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 FLMX returned +26.52% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, FLMX is up 11.23% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLMX compounded at +10.84% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.77% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +6.99%. 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 24.3% for FLMX. 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 -52.7% for FLMX 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLMX charges 0.19% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLMX currently yields 3.88% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLMX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 138 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, FLMX or QQQ?
FLMX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLMX or QQQ?
Over the past year FLMX returned +26.52% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so FLMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMX annualized +6.99% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLMX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.3% for FLMX. Worst drawdown: FLMX -52.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLMX and QQQ?
FLMX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLMX and QQQ?
FLMX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLMX or QQQ?
FLMX yields 3.88% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FLMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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