FLAU vs SPY
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FLAU has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $181M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.75% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.11% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.26% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLAU vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF (FLAU) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FLAU returned +15.75% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FLAU is up 13.75% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FLAU compounded at +15.11% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.26% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +6.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -46.0% for FLAU and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAU charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAU currently yields 3.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLAU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 608 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAU or SPY?
FLAU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. FLAU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAU or SPY?
Over the past year FLAU returned +15.75% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAU annualized +6.76% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAU or SPY?
FLAU has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLAU -46.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLAU and SPY?
FLAU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAU and SPY?
FLAU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAU or SPY?
FLAU yields 3.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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