FLKR vs SPY
Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FLKR has a lower expense ratio. FLKR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLKR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +78.28% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +147.18% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.35% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.09% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLKR vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) 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 FLKR returned +147.18% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FLKR is up 78.28% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FLKR compounded at +46.35% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +18.09% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLKR has the edge at +12.14% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLKR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.9% 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 -50.5% for FLKR 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLKR 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, FLKR currently yields 3.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLKR and SPY share 0 holdings out of 660 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, FLKR or SPY?
FLKR has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. FLKR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLKR or SPY?
Over the past year FLKR returned +147.18% vs +21.71% for SPY, so FLKR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLKR annualized +12.14% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLKR or SPY?
FLKR has been the more volatile fund at 31.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLKR -50.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLKR and SPY?
FLKR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLKR and SPY?
FLKR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 660 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLKR or SPY?
FLKR yields 3.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLKR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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