FLGB vs SPY
Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FLGB has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLGB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $933M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.55% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.16% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.00% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.93% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLGB vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB) 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 FLGB returned +20.16% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FLGB is up 10.55% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FLGB compounded at +20.00% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.93% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLGB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -46.6% for FLGB 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLGB charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLGB currently yields 2.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLGB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 600 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, FLGB or SPY?
FLGB has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. FLGB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLGB or SPY?
Over the past year FLGB returned +20.16% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLGB annualized +7.06% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLGB or SPY?
FLGB has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLGB -46.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLGB and SPY?
FLGB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLGB and SPY?
FLGB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 600 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLGB or SPY?
FLGB yields 2.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLGB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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