FLEE vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FLEE (Franklin FTSE Europe ETF) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLEE is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLEE returned 8.91%/yr vs 12.09%/yr for VYMI. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FLEE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

FLEE vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLEE achieves a 6.83% return, which is significantly lower than VYMI's 11.99% return.

FLEE

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 1.64%
• YTD: 6.83%
• 6M: 9.60%
• 1Y: 17.82%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.91%
• 10Y*: —

VYMI

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 11.99%
• 6M: 15.12%
• 1Y: 30.78%
• 3Y*: 22.30%
• 5Y*: 12.09%
• 10Y*: 10.47%

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

FLEE vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLEE Franklin FTSE Europe ETF	6.83%	35.76%	2.03%	20.46%	-15.22%	16.84%	5.33%	24.41%	-14.97%	1.47%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	11.99%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	2.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FLEE and VYMI is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2017	0.88

The correlation between FLEE and VYMI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLEE vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLEE	VYMI
Financial Services	23.8%	41.9%
Industrials	19.6%	6.6%
Healthcare	12.8%	6.6%
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	7.0%
Technology	8.5%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	6.5%
Basic Materials	5.8%	6.8%
Energy	5.3%	9.5%
Utilities	5.1%	5.6%
Communication Services	3.0%	4.0%
Real Estate	1.1%	1.3%

Return for Risk

FLEE vs. VYMI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLEE

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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). 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	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	2.39	-1.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	3.25	-1.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.43	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.45	3.05	-1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.29	12.01	-6.72
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. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLEE Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLEE and VYMI, 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	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.15	2.39	-1.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	0.82	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.65	-0.21

Drawdowns

FLEE vs. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLEE drawdown since its inception was -37.27%, smaller than the maximum VYMI drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLEE and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLEE	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.27%	-40.00%	+2.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.37%	-10.14%	-2.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.59%	-12.84%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.62%	-24.05%	-7.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.88%	-0.80%	-1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.10%	-6.31%	-0.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	2.57%	+0.81%

Volatility

FLEE vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) has a higher volatility of 5.55% compared to Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) at 3.96%. This indicates that FLEE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLEE	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.55%	3.96%	+1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.02%	10.74%	+2.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.62%	12.94%	+2.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.38%	14.84%	+2.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	16.87%	+2.08%

FLEE vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLEE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio. However, 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. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

FLEE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.58%, less than VYMI's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FLEE Franklin FTSE Europe ETF	2.58%	2.76%	3.93%	2.57%	3.48%	3.61%	1.88%	3.02%	3.85%	0.02%	0.00%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.42%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLEE and VYMI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FLEE and VYMI 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 VYMI?

FLEE has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to VYMI (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLEE dropped -37.27% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which ETF is better, FLEE or VYMI?

On 5-year performance, VYMI leads with 12.09% vs 8.91% for FLEE. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 3.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLEE or VYMI?

Over the 5-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 12.09% return vs 8.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLEE or VYMI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for FLEE.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.42%, compared with 2.58% for FLEE.

What is the main difference between FLEE and VYMI?

FLEE is categorized as Europe Equities, while VYMI is Dividend. FLEE tracks FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index, while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLEE and 0.07% for VYMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.15), 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.