FLSA vs VTI
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLSA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.03% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.14% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.83% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.46% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
FLSA vs VTI Performance
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLSA returned +4.14% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FLSA is up 5.03% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, FLSA compounded at +0.83% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.46% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% 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 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLSA charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLSA currently yields 3.15% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FLSA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2850 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 VTI?
FLSA has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLSA or VTI?
Over the past year FLSA returned +4.14% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FLSA annualized +6.19% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLSA or VTI?
FLSA has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FLSA -40.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FLSA and VTI?
FLSA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLSA and VTI?
FLSA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2850 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLSA or VTI?
FLSA yields 3.15% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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