FLSA vs QQQ
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLSA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +5.88% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.53% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.94% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.91% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLSA vs QQQ Performance
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) 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 FLSA returned +4.53% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, FLSA is up 5.88% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLSA compounded at +0.94% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.91% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +6.29%. 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 17.7% for FLSA. 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 -40.2% for FLSA 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLSA charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLSA currently yields 3.15% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLSA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 165 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, FLSA or QQQ?
FLSA has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLSA or QQQ?
Over the past year FLSA returned +4.53% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FLSA annualized +6.29% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLSA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.7% for FLSA. Worst drawdown: FLSA -40.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLSA and QQQ?
FLSA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLSA and QQQ?
FLSA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 165 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLSA or QQQ?
FLSA yields 3.15% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FLSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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