FLEE vs. IEV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLEE (Franklin FTSE Europe ETF) and IEV (iShares Europe ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - FLEE tracks the FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index while IEV tracks the S&P Europe 350 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLEE returned 8.65%/yr vs 8.55%/yr for IEV. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLEE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for IEV.

Performance

FLEE vs. IEV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FLEE having a 5.58% return and IEV slightly lower at 5.38%.

FLEE

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

IEV

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 5.38%
• 6M: 8.19%
• 1Y: 17.71%
• 3Y*: 15.90%
• 5Y*: 8.55%
• 10Y*: 9.06%

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

FLEE vs. IEV - 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%
IEV iShares Europe ETF	5.38%	35.63%	1.36%	20.14%	-14.24%	16.73%	4.07%	24.03%	-14.68%	0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between FLEE and IEV is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2017	0.96

The correlation between FLEE and IEV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLEE vs. IEV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLEE	IEV
Financial Services	23.8%	23.9%
Industrials	19.6%	19.3%
Healthcare	12.8%	13.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	8.3%
Technology	8.5%	8.7%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	6.7%
Basic Materials	5.8%	5.7%
Energy	5.3%	5.6%
Utilities	5.1%	5.0%
Communication Services	3.0%	2.9%
Real Estate	1.1%	0.8%

Return for Risk

FLEE vs. IEV — 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

IEV

IEV Risk / Return Rank: 31
IEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
IEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
IEV Omega Ratio Rank: 29
IEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
IEV Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. IEV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and iShares Europe ETF (IEV). 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	IEV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.14	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	1.67	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.20	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.40	1.45	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.13	5.29	-0.16
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. IEV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLEE Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is comparable to the IEV Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLEE and IEV, 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	IEV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.11	1.14	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.49	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.23	+0.20

Drawdowns

FLEE vs. IEV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLEE drawdown since its inception was -37.27%, smaller than the maximum IEV drawdown of -63.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLEE and IEV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLEE	IEV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.27%	-63.27%	+26.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.37%	-12.31%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.59%	-14.63%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.62%	-30.60%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.62%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.03%	-2.77%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.11%	-15.04%	+7.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	3.36%	+0.02%

Volatility

FLEE vs. IEV - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and iShares Europe ETF (IEV) have volatilities of 5.78% and 5.61%, 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	IEV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.78%	5.61%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.98%	12.95%	+0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.59%	15.62%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.37%	17.57%	-0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	18.66%	+0.29%

FLEE vs. IEV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLEE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than IEV's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLEE vs. IEV - Dividend Comparison

FLEE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, which matches IEV's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
IEV iShares Europe ETF	2.59%	2.73%	3.10%	2.77%	3.06%	2.81%	1.76%	3.06%	3.43%	2.39%	3.08%	2.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLEE and IEV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, FLEE and IEV 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 IEV?

FLEE has higher volatility (5.78%) compared to IEV (5.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLEE dropped -37.27% vs IEV's -63.27%.

Which ETF is better, FLEE or IEV?

On 5-year performance, FLEE leads with 8.65% vs 8.55% for IEV. On fees, FLEE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IEV has been the lower-risk option at 5.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLEE or IEV?

Over the 5-year period, FLEE has performed better with a 8.65% return vs 8.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLEE or IEV?

FLEE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for IEV.

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

FLEE has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 2.59% for IEV.

What is the main difference between FLEE and IEV?

FLEE tracks FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index, while IEV tracks S&P Europe 350 Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLEE and 0.59% for IEV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 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.