FLSW vs SPY
Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FLSW has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLSW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $84M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.28% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.52% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.41% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 6, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLSW vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) 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 FLSW returned +19.52% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FLSW is up 9.28% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, FLSW compounded at +15.12% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.41% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLSW has the edge at +9.30% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLSW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -28.2% for FLSW 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLSW charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLSW currently yields 2.28% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLSW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 553 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, FLSW or SPY?
FLSW has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. FLSW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLSW or SPY?
Over the past year FLSW returned +19.52% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLSW annualized +9.30% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLSW or SPY?
FLSW has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLSW -28.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLSW and SPY?
FLSW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLSW and SPY?
FLSW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLSW or SPY?
FLSW yields 2.28% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLSW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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