FLMX vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FLMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLMX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $86M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.12% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.93% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.09% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.08% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLMX vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) 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 FLMX returned +28.93% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, FLMX is up 12.12% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLMX compounded at +11.09% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.08% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLMX has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.3% 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 -52.7% for FLMX 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLMX charges 0.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $5 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLMX currently yields 3.88% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLMX and VXUS share 28 holdings out of 7868 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLMX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMEXICOB:MX | 12.09% | 0.08% | 12.01% |
| GFNORTEO:MX | 11.43% | 0.07% | 11.36% |
| FEMSAUBD:MX | 8.59% | 0.04% | 8.55% |
| CEMEXCPO:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WALMEX:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GAPB:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AC:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PE.OLES:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KOFUBL:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASURB:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLMX or VXUS?
FLMX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLMX or VXUS?
Over the past year FLMX returned +28.93% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so FLMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMX annualized +7.09% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLMX or VXUS?
FLMX has been the more volatile fund at 24.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLMX -52.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLMX and VXUS?
FLMX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLMX and VXUS?
FLMX and VXUS share 28 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7868 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLMX or VXUS?
FLMX yields 3.88% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FLMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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