FLIN vs SPY
Franklin FTSE India ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLIN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 280 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -7.62% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.30% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.11% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.47% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 6, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLIN vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN) 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 FLIN returned -3.30% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, FLIN is down 7.62% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, FLIN compounded at +6.11% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.47% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +5.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLIN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -41.9% for FLIN 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLIN 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, FLIN currently yields 0.43% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLIN and SPY share 1 holdings out of 773 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 FLIN | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.52% | 0.04% | 0.48% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLIN or SPY?
FLIN 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, FLIN or SPY?
Over the past year FLIN returned -3.30% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLIN annualized +5.97% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLIN or SPY?
FLIN has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLIN -41.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLIN and SPY?
FLIN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLIN and SPY?
FLIN and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 773 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLIN or SPY?
FLIN yields 0.43% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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