FLCH vs SPY
Franklin FTSE China ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLCH offers more diversification with 1,030 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLCH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $334M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,030 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -11.59% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.22% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.03% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.23% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLCH vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE China ETF (FLCH) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FLCH returned -5.22% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FLCH is down 11.59% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FLCH compounded at +10.03% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.23% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -0.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLCH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -62.1% for FLCH and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLCH charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLCH currently yields 2.33% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLCH and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1451 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLCH or SPY?
FLCH has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLCH or SPY?
Over the past year FLCH returned -5.22% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLCH annualized -0.31% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLCH or SPY?
FLCH has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLCH -62.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLCH and SPY?
FLCH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLCH and SPY?
FLCH and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1451 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLCH or SPY?
FLCH yields 2.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLCH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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