FLTW vs VXUS
Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FLTW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLTW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +67.02% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +89.11% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +44.50% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.66% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLTW vs VXUS Performance
Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (FLTW) 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 FLTW returned +89.11% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, FLTW is up 67.02% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLTW compounded at +44.50% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +22.66% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLTW has the edge at +18.94% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLTW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -38.0% for FLTW 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLTW charges 0.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $5 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLTW currently yields 1.76% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLTW and VXUS share 108 holdings out of 7894 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLTW or VXUS?
FLTW has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLTW or VXUS?
Over the past year FLTW returned +89.11% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so FLTW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLTW annualized +18.94% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLTW or VXUS?
FLTW has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLTW -38.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLTW and VXUS?
FLTW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLTW and VXUS?
FLTW and VXUS share 108 common holdings with a 5.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLTW or VXUS?
FLTW yields 1.76% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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