FLEE vs. GSEU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLEE (Franklin FTSE Europe ETF) and GSEU (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - FLEE tracks the FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index while GSEU tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLEE returned 8.65%/yr vs 8.08%/yr for GSEU. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLEE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for GSEU.

Performance

FLEE vs. GSEU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (GSEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FLEE having a 5.58% return and GSEU slightly higher at 5.62%.

FLEE

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: 2.47%
• YTD: 5.58%
• 6M: 8.37%
• 1Y: 17.27%
• 3Y*: 16.30%
• 5Y*: 8.65%
• 10Y*: —

GSEU

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 2.97%
• YTD: 5.62%
• 6M: 9.09%
• 1Y: 17.47%
• 3Y*: 16.51%
• 5Y*: 8.08%
• 10Y*: 9.21%

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

FLEE vs. GSEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLEE Franklin FTSE Europe ETF	5.58%	35.76%	2.03%	20.46%	-15.22%	16.84%	5.33%	24.41%	-14.97%	1.47%
GSEU Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF	5.62%	35.70%	2.00%	20.74%	-17.90%	17.33%	6.64%	24.57%	-14.29%	1.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FLEE and GSEU is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2017	0.95

The correlation between FLEE and GSEU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLEE vs. GSEU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLEE	GSEU
Financial Services	23.8%	24.7%
Industrials	19.6%	19.9%
Healthcare	12.8%	13.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	8.4%
Technology	8.5%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	6.6%
Basic Materials	5.8%	5.0%
Energy	5.3%	4.4%
Utilities	5.1%	4.8%
Communication Services	3.0%	4.6%
Real Estate	1.1%	0.6%

Return for Risk

FLEE vs. GSEU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLEE

FLEE Risk / Return Rank: 30
FLEE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
FLEE Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
FLEE Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FLEE Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FLEE Martin Ratio Rank: 33

GSEU

GSEU Risk / Return Rank: 32
GSEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GSEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GSEU Omega Ratio Rank: 31
GSEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GSEU Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

FLEE vs. GSEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (GSEU). 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.

	FLEE	GSEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.16	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	1.68	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.21	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.40	1.47	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.13	5.54	-0.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLEE vs. GSEU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLEE Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is comparable to the GSEU Sharpe Ratio of 1.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLEE and GSEU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FLEE	GSEU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.11	1.16	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.47	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.52	-0.09

Drawdowns

FLEE vs. GSEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLEE drawdown since its inception was -37.27%, roughly equal to the maximum GSEU drawdown of -35.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLEE and GSEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLEE	GSEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.27%	-35.71%	-1.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.37%	-11.90%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.59%	-14.12%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.62%	-33.98%	+2.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.03%	-2.16%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.11%	-6.60%	-0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	3.16%	+0.22%

Volatility

FLEE vs. GSEU - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (GSEU) have volatilities of 5.78% and 5.58%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLEE	GSEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.78%	5.58%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.98%	12.48%	+0.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.59%	15.13%	+0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.37%	17.14%	+0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	18.11%	+0.84%

FLEE vs. GSEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLEE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than GSEU's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLEE vs. GSEU - Dividend Comparison

FLEE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, more than GSEU's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FLEE Franklin FTSE Europe ETF	2.61%	2.76%	3.93%	2.57%	3.48%	3.61%	1.88%	3.02%	3.85%	0.02%	0.00%
GSEU Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF	2.58%	2.72%	2.35%	3.41%	3.34%	2.71%	1.84%	3.69%	3.40%	2.51%	2.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLEE and GSEU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FLEE and GSEU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FLEE or GSEU?

FLEE has higher volatility (5.78%) compared to GSEU (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLEE dropped -37.27% vs GSEU's -35.71%.

Which ETF is better, FLEE or GSEU?

On 5-year performance, FLEE leads with 8.65% vs 8.08% for GSEU. On fees, FLEE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, GSEU has been the lower-risk option at 5.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLEE or GSEU?

Over the 5-year period, FLEE has performed better with a 8.65% return vs 8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLEE or GSEU?

FLEE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for GSEU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLEE or GSEU?

FLEE has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 2.58% for GSEU.

What is the main difference between FLEE and GSEU?

FLEE tracks FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index, while GSEU tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLEE and 0.25% for GSEU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSEU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.16 vs 1.11), 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.