FLSA vs SPY
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLSA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.03% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.14% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.83% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.46% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLSA vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) 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 FLSA returned +4.14% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FLSA is up 5.03% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FLSA compounded at +0.83% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.46% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +6.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -40.2% for FLSA 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLSA charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLSA currently yields 3.15% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLSA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 567 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, FLSA or SPY?
FLSA has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLSA or SPY?
Over the past year FLSA returned +4.14% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FLSA annualized +6.19% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLSA or SPY?
FLSA has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLSA -40.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLSA and SPY?
FLSA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLSA and SPY?
FLSA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLSA or SPY?
FLSA yields 3.15% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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