FLKR vs VYM
Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FLKR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLKR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +78.28% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +147.18% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.35% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.09% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FLKR vs VYM Performance
Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLKR returned +147.18% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, FLKR is up 78.28% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, FLKR compounded at +46.35% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +18.09% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLKR has the edge at +12.14% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLKR charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLKR currently yields 3.12% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FLKR and VYM share 1 holdings out of 758 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 FLKR | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACI | 0.55% | 0.02% | 0.53% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLKR or VYM?
FLKR has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLKR or VYM?
Over the past year FLKR returned +147.18% vs +24.22% for VYM, so FLKR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLKR annualized +12.14% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLKR or VYM?
FLKR has been the more volatile fund at 31.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FLKR -50.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FLKR and VYM?
FLKR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLKR and VYM?
FLKR and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 758 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLKR or VYM?
FLKR yields 3.12% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FLKR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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