ASIA vs. FLKR

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ASIA (Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF) and FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund actively managed by Matthews, while FLKR is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. ASIA is actively managed, while FLKR is passively managed. Over the past year, ASIA returned 41.39% vs 132.73% for FLKR. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ASIA charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for FLKR.

Performance

ASIA vs. FLKR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASIA achieves a 19.88% return, which is significantly lower than FLKR's 73.03% return.

ASIA

• 1D: -3.99%
• 1M: -6.33%
• 6M: 12.73%
• YTD: 19.88%
• 1Y: 41.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FLKR

• 1D: -8.04%
• 1M: -12.65%
• 6M: 55.54%
• YTD: 73.03%
• 1Y: 132.73%
• 3Y*: 39.36%
• 5Y*: 14.98%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ASIA vs. FLKR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ASIA Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF	19.88%	32.06%	3.41%	0.01%
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	73.03%	91.91%	-18.84%	10.69%

Correlation

The correlation between ASIA and FLKR is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2023	0.75

The correlation between ASIA and FLKR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

ASIA vs. FLKR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ASIA	FLKR
Technology	60.2%	62.9%
Financial Services	16.2%	7.4%
Industrials	7.4%	14.6%
Communication Services	4.8%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	6.3%
Energy	2.5%	0.7%
Healthcare	2.5%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.1%	1.4%
Basic Materials	1.1%	1.9%
Utilities	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

ASIA vs. FLKR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ASIA

ASIA Risk / Return Rank: 62
ASIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ASIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
ASIA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
ASIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
ASIA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 89
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ASIA vs. FLKR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ASIA	FLKR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.65	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.85	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.42	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.87	5.74	-2.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.13	17.85	-8.72

ASIA vs. FLKR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASIA Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the FLKR Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASIA and FLKR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ASIA vs. FLKR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASIA drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum FLKR drawdown of -50.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASIA and FLKR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASIA	FLKR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-50.06%	+26.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.47%	-23.24%	+8.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.39%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-48.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.52%	-23.24%	+9.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-21.93%	+17.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.55%	7.47%	-2.92%

Volatility

ASIA vs. FLKR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) is 13.93%, while Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a volatility of 25.87%. This indicates that ASIA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLKR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASIA	FLKR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.93%	25.87%	-11.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.35%	47.53%	-23.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.59%	50.45%	-23.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.05%	31.20%	-9.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.05%	29.25%	-7.20%

ASIA vs. FLKR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASIA has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than FLKR's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASIA vs. FLKR - Dividend Comparison

ASIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than FLKR's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ASIA Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF	0.87%	1.05%	0.58%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	2.67%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASIA and FLKR in my portfolio?

ASIA and FLKR have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASIA or FLKR?

FLKR has higher volatility (25.87%) compared to ASIA (13.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASIA dropped -23.95% vs FLKR's -50.06%.

Which ETF is better, ASIA or FLKR?

On 1-year performance, FLKR leads with 132.73% vs 41.39% for ASIA. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, ASIA has been the lower-risk option at 13.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASIA or FLKR?

Over the 1-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 132.73% return vs 41.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASIA or FLKR?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ASIA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASIA or FLKR?

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 0.87% for ASIA.

What is the main difference between ASIA and FLKR?

ASIA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while FLKR is South Korea Equities. They also come from different issuers: Matthews and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for ASIA and 0.09% for FLKR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 1.57), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.