FLAX vs VTI
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FLAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $58M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.08% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,620 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.11% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.50% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.06% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.57% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 6, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
FLAX vs VTI Performance
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLAX returned +37.50% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FLAX is up 20.11% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FLAX compounded at +24.06% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.57% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAX charges 0.19% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FLAX and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3930 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 VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.07% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAX or VTI?
FLAX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAX or VTI?
Over the past year FLAX returned +37.50% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FLAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAX annualized +7.20% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAX or VTI?
FLAX has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FLAX -42.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FLAX and VTI?
FLAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAX and VTI?
FLAX and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3930 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAX or VTI?
FLAX yields 2.08% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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