FLAX vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FLAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $58M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.08% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,620 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.54% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.85% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.88% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 6, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLAX vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) 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 FLAX returned +37.85% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FLAX is up 20.54% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLAX compounded at +23.88% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.77% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLAX has the edge at +7.26% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -42.5% for FLAX 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAX charges 0.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $5 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAX currently yields 2.08% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLAX and VXUS share 897 holdings out of 8116 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAX or VXUS?
FLAX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAX or VXUS?
Over the past year FLAX returned +37.85% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FLAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAX annualized +7.26% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAX or VXUS?
FLAX has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLAX -42.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLAX and VXUS?
FLAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAX and VXUS?
FLAX and VXUS share 897 common holdings with a 16.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8116 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAX or VXUS?
FLAX yields 2.08% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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