FLMX vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FLMX or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FLMX led over 5Y, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLMX | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $81M | $164.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.82% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 39 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +11.16%Best |
| 1Y Return | +8.29% | +17.13%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | +20.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.97%Best | +9.18% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 15.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,828Best | $15,514 |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 6, 2017 to Oct 1, 2026 (8.9 years).
FLMX vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 8.9 years both funds cover.
FLMX vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLMX returned +8.29% while VXUS returned +17.13%. Year to date, FLMX is up 1.53% versus a gain of 11.16% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLMX compounded at +9.88% per year against +20.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.97% and +9.18% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +6.68% annualized vs +5.79%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% compared with 15.7% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 3.82% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 53.9% of FLMX's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 89.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
The two holdings books were reported 46 days apart, FLMX as of Sep 15, 2026 and VXUS as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
24 positions in common, counted across the 34 positions we hold weights for in FLMX and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 39 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLMX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GFNORTEO:MXGrupo Financiero Banorte Sab De Cv | 12.83% | 0.08% | 12.75% |
| WALMEX:MXWal-Mart De Mexico Sab De Cv | 4.12% | 0.03% | 4.09% |
| AC:MXArca Continental Sab De Cv | 3.66% | 0.03% | 3.63% |
| GAPB:MXGrupo Aeroport Del Pacific B | 3.15% | 0.02% | 3.13% |
| KOFUBL:MXCoca-cola Femsa Sab De Cv | 2.78% | 0.01% | 2.77% |
| FUNO11:MXTrust Fibra Uno | 2.66% | 0.01% | 2.65% |
| GCARSOA1:MXGrupo Carso Sab De Cv | 2.31% | 0.01% | 2.30% |
| GFINBURO:MXGrupo Financiero Inbursa Sab De Cv | 2.29% | 0.01% | 2.28% |
| ASURB:MXGrupo Aeroportuario Del Sureste Sa De Cv | 2.16% | 0.01% | 2.15% |
| BIMBOA:MXGrupo Bimbo Sab De Cv | 2.10% | 0.01% | 2.09% |
53.9% of FLMX is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $14 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLMX or VXUS?
Over the past year FLMX returned +8.29% vs +17.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMX annualized +5.79% vs +6.68% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLMX or VXUS?
FLMX has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.7% 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 their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FLMX and VXUS?
At least 53.9% of FLMX's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 24 positions in common, counted across the 34 positions we hold weights for in FLMX and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLMX or VXUS?
FLMX yields 3.82% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so FLMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FLMX?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FLMX led over 5Y, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.