FLAX vs VYM
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM 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 | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $58M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.08% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,620 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +20.54% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.85% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.88% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 6, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FLAX vs VYM Performance
Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLAX returned +37.85% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FLAX is up 20.54% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FLAX compounded at +23.88% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.77% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLAX has the edge at +7.26% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAX charges 0.19% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $4 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAX currently yields 2.08% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FLAX and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1746 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLAX | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.07% | 0.12% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAX or VYM?
FLAX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAX or VYM?
Over the past year FLAX returned +37.85% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FLAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAX annualized +7.26% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAX or VYM?
FLAX has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FLAX -42.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FLAX and VYM?
FLAX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAX and VYM?
FLAX and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1746 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAX or VYM?
FLAX yields 2.08% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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