FDD vs. FLGB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) and FLGB (Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - FDD tracks the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30 while FLGB tracks the FTSE UK RIC Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDD returned 11.36%/yr vs 10.74%/yr for FLGB. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDD charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for FLGB.

Performance

FDD vs. FLGB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) and Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDD achieves a 10.10% return, which is significantly higher than FLGB's 4.59% return.

FDD

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -2.36%
• YTD: 10.10%
• 6M: 10.41%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 26.20%
• 5Y*: 11.36%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

FLGB

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: -1.81%
• YTD: 4.59%
• 6M: 4.84%
• 1Y: 18.93%
• 3Y*: 17.39%
• 5Y*: 10.74%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FDD vs. FLGB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	10.10%	62.50%	0.28%	14.16%	-16.14%	16.03%	-3.80%	23.79%	-8.98%	1.51%
FLGB Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF	4.59%	33.73%	8.77%	14.33%	-6.00%	17.14%	-9.47%	23.23%	-11.60%	1.12%

Correlation

The correlation between FDD and FLGB is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.82

The correlation between FDD and FLGB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDD vs. FLGB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDD	FLGB
Financial Services	52.0%	27.1%
Industrials	13.3%	13.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	4.8%
Energy	10.4%	10.2%
Utilities	6.0%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	13.9%
Real Estate	3.3%	0.8%
Basic Materials	3.1%	8.8%
Communication Services	2.1%	2.5%
Healthcare	-	12.9%
Technology	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

FDD vs. FLGB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FDD

FDD Risk / Return Rank: 60
FDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
FDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FDD Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FDD Martin Ratio Rank: 62

FLGB

FLGB Risk / Return Rank: 39
FLGB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
FLGB Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
FLGB Omega Ratio Rank: 37
FLGB Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
FLGB Martin Ratio Rank: 42

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FDD vs. FLGB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) and Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FDD	FLGB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.32	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	1.91	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.24	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	1.85	+1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.63	6.43	+4.21

FDD vs. FLGB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDD Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is higher than the FLGB Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDD and FLGB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FDD vs. FLGB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDD drawdown since its inception was -74.77%, which is greater than FLGB's maximum drawdown of -42.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDD and FLGB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDD	FLGB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.77%	-42.61%	-32.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-10.26%	+0.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.06%	-13.13%	+0.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.84%	-25.90%	-8.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.52%	-5.18%	+1.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.37%	-6.67%	-28.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.95%	-0.11%

Volatility

FDD vs. FLGB - Volatility Comparison

First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) has a higher volatility of 5.51% compared to Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB) at 4.15%. This indicates that FDD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLGB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDD	FLGB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.51%	4.15%	+1.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.16%	12.36%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.09%	14.49%	+1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	16.63%	+1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.86%	18.95%	+0.91%

FDD vs. FLGB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDD has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than FLGB's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDD vs. FLGB - Dividend Comparison

FDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.59%, more than FLGB's 1.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	3.59%	3.99%	7.65%	6.85%	6.07%	3.44%	4.01%	4.69%	5.05%	2.78%	4.88%	4.35%
FLGB Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF	1.68%	3.50%	4.42%	3.95%	4.23%	2.93%	2.67%	4.30%	3.92%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDD and FLGB in my portfolio?

FDD and FLGB have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDD or FLGB?

FDD has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to FLGB (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDD dropped -74.77% vs FLGB's -42.61%.

Which ETF is better, FDD or FLGB?

On 5-year performance, FDD leads with 11.36% vs 10.74% for FLGB. On fees, FLGB is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FLGB has been the lower-risk option at 4.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDD or FLGB?

Over the 5-year period, FDD has performed better with a 11.36% return vs 10.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDD or FLGB?

FLGB is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for FDD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDD or FLGB?

FDD has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 1.68% for FLGB.

What is the main difference between FDD and FLGB?

FDD tracks STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30, while FLGB tracks FTSE UK RIC Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for FDD and 0.09% for FLGB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.32), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.