FLAX vs IVV
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FLAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLAX offers more diversification with 1,620 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $58M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.08% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 1,620 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +18.53% | +12.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.55% | +20.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.55% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.75% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 6, 2018 | May 15, 2000 |
FLAX vs IVV Performance
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FLAX returned +34.55% while IVV returned +20.70%. Year to date, FLAX is up 18.53% versus a gain of 12.96% for IVV.
Over three years, FLAX compounded at +23.55% per year against +22.10% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.75% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLAX has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -42.5% for FLAX and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAX charges 0.19% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $3 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAX currently yields 2.08% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FLAX and IVV share 1 holdings out of 1648 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLAX | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.07% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAX or IVV?
FLAX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAX or IVV?
Over the past year FLAX returned +34.55% vs +20.70% for IVV, so FLAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAX annualized +7.04% vs +7.01% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAX or IVV?
FLAX has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FLAX -42.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLAX and IVV?
FLAX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAX and IVV?
FLAX and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1648 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAX or IVV?
FLAX yields 2.08% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FLAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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