FLTW vs SPY
Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FLTW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLTW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +62.10% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +86.76% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +42.88% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.02% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLTW vs SPY Performance
Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (FLTW) 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 FLTW returned +86.76% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FLTW is up 62.10% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, FLTW compounded at +42.88% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +22.02% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLTW has the edge at +18.52% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLTW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -38.0% for FLTW 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLTW charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLTW currently yields 1.76% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLTW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 637 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, FLTW or SPY?
FLTW has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLTW or SPY?
Over the past year FLTW returned +86.76% vs +21.53% for SPY, so FLTW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLTW annualized +18.52% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLTW or SPY?
FLTW has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLTW -38.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLTW and SPY?
FLTW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLTW and SPY?
FLTW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 637 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLTW or SPY?
FLTW yields 1.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLTW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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