FNGAX vs. QQQM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FNGAX (Franklin International Growth Fund Class A) and QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) are both funds - FNGAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while QQQM is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 5 years, FNGAX returned -4.04%/yr vs 15.60%/yr for QQQM. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNGAX charges 1.12%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QQQM.

Performance

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin International Growth Fund Class A (FNGAX) and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNGAX achieves a -1.50% return, which is significantly lower than QQQM's 17.45% return.

FNGAX

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: -0.70%
• 6M: -4.92%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 1Y: -4.63%
• 3Y*: 2.69%
• 5Y*: -4.04%
• 10Y*: 6.31%

QQQM

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: -0.12%
• 6M: 15.21%
• YTD: 17.45%
• 1Y: 30.08%
• 3Y*: 24.62%
• 5Y*: 15.60%
• 10Y*: —

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

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FNGAX Franklin International Growth Fund Class A	-1.50%	10.48%	0.37%	15.00%	-32.05%	1.17%	8.35%
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	17.45%	20.85%	25.68%	55.01%	-32.52%	27.45%	6.64%

Correlation

The correlation between FNGAX and QQQM is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2020	0.78

The correlation between FNGAX and QQQM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FNGAX vs. QQQM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNGAX

FNGAX Risk / Return Rank: 2
FNGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
FNGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
FNGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
FNGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
FNGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

QQQM

QQQM Risk / Return Rank: 61
QQQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
QQQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
QQQM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
QQQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
QQQM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin International Growth Fund Class A (FNGAX) and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM). 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.

	FNGAX	QQQM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.26	1.64	-1.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.24	2.20	-2.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.29	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.26	2.53	-2.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.72	9.02	-9.74

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNGAX Sharpe Ratio is -0.26, which is lower than the QQQM Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNGAX and QQQM, 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

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNGAX drawdown since its inception was -53.35%, which is greater than QQQM's maximum drawdown of -35.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNGAX and QQQM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNGAX	QQQM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.35%	-35.04%	-18.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.35%	-11.96%	-5.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.26%	-22.70%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.24%	-35.04%	-12.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.23%	-3.44%	-18.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.21%	-8.15%	-6.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.39%	3.34%	+3.05%

Volatility

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin International Growth Fund Class A (FNGAX) is 5.58%, while Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) has a volatility of 7.95%. This indicates that FNGAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNGAX	QQQM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.58%	7.95%	-2.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.72%	15.24%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.00%	18.46%	-0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.50%	22.65%	-1.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.09%	22.31%	-2.22%

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNGAX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQM's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNGAX vs. QQQM - Dividend Comparison

FNGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.31%, more than QQQM's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNGAX Franklin International Growth Fund Class A	3.31%	3.36%	1.86%	0.00%	1.75%	1.80%	2.22%	0.13%	1.94%	1.31%	0.53%	0.01%
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.44%	0.50%	0.61%	0.65%	0.83%	0.40%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNGAX and QQQM in my portfolio?

FNGAX and QQQM have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNGAX or QQQM?

QQQM has higher volatility (7.95%) compared to FNGAX (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNGAX dropped -53.35% vs QQQM's -35.04%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs -0.26), 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.