FLAU vs VOO
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $181M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.05% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.53% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.82% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.04% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.27% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FLAU vs VOO Performance
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF (FLAU) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLAU returned +16.82% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, FLAU is up 14.53% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, FLAU compounded at +16.04% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.27% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +6.84%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAU currently yields 3.05% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FLAU and VOO share 0 holdings out of 609 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 VOO?
FLAU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAU or VOO?
Over the past year FLAU returned +16.82% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAU annualized +6.84% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAU or VOO?
FLAU has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FLAU -46.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FLAU and VOO?
FLAU and VOO 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 VOO?
FLAU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 609 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAU or VOO?
FLAU yields 3.05% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FLAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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