FLAU vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $181M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.05% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.75% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.11% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.26% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLAU vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF (FLAU) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLAU returned +15.75% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FLAU is up 13.75% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLAU compounded at +15.11% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.26% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLAU has the edge at +6.76% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAU charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAU currently yields 3.05% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLAU and VXUS share 91 holdings out of 7882 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAU or VXUS?
FLAU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAU or VXUS?
Over the past year FLAU returned +15.75% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAU annualized +6.76% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAU or VXUS?
FLAU has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLAU -46.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLAU and VXUS?
FLAU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAU and VXUS?
FLAU and VXUS share 91 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7882 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAU or VXUS?
FLAU yields 3.05% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FLAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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