FLKR vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FLKR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLKR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +78.28% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +147.18% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.35% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.09% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLKR vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLKR returned +147.18% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FLKR is up 78.28% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLKR compounded at +46.35% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.09% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLKR has the edge at +12.14% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLKR charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLKR currently yields 3.12% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLKR and VXUS share 124 holdings out of 7901 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLKR or VXUS?
FLKR has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLKR or VXUS?
Over the past year FLKR returned +147.18% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FLKR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLKR annualized +12.14% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLKR or VXUS?
FLKR has been the more volatile fund at 31.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLKR -50.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLKR and VXUS?
FLKR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLKR and VXUS?
FLKR and VXUS share 124 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLKR or VXUS?
FLKR yields 3.12% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FLKR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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