FLSA vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLSA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.03% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.14% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.83% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.46% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLSA vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) 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 FLSA returned +4.14% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FLSA is up 5.03% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLSA compounded at +0.83% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.46% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, FLSA has the edge at +6.19% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -40.2% for FLSA 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLSA charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLSA currently yields 3.15% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLSA and VXUS share 58 holdings out of 7874 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLSA or VXUS?
FLSA has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLSA or VXUS?
Over the past year FLSA returned +4.14% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FLSA annualized +6.19% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLSA or VXUS?
FLSA has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLSA -40.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLSA and VXUS?
FLSA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLSA and VXUS?
FLSA and VXUS share 58 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7874 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLSA or VXUS?
FLSA yields 3.15% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FLSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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