FLJP vs SPY
Franklin FTSE Japan ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FLJP has a lower expense ratio. FLJP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLJP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 482 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.29% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.05% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.64% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLJP vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE Japan ETF (FLJP) 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 FLJP returned +28.05% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, FLJP is up 18.29% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, FLJP compounded at +19.64% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.4% for FLJP. 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 -33.6% for FLJP 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLJP 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, FLJP currently yields 4.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLJP and SPY share 0 holdings out of 970 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, FLJP or SPY?
FLJP has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. FLJP is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLJP or SPY?
Over the past year FLJP returned +28.05% vs +22.91% for SPY, so FLJP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLJP annualized +7.44% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLJP or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for FLJP. Worst drawdown: FLJP -33.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLJP and SPY?
FLJP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLJP and SPY?
FLJP and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 970 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLJP or SPY?
FLJP yields 4.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLJP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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