EPP vs. FLAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EPP (iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF) and FLAX (Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds - EPP tracks the MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index while FLAX tracks the FTSE Asia ex Japan RIC Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EPP returned 4.65%/yr vs 7.95%/yr for FLAX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EPP charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for FLAX.

Performance

EPP vs. FLAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) and Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPP achieves a 9.57% return, which is significantly lower than FLAX's 29.31% return.

EPP

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 9.57%
• 6M: 10.96%
• 1Y: 17.40%
• 3Y*: 13.26%
• 5Y*: 4.65%
• 10Y*: 7.60%

FLAX

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 10.05%
• YTD: 29.31%
• 6M: 32.11%
• 1Y: 58.93%
• 3Y*: 25.00%
• 5Y*: 7.95%
• 10Y*: —

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

EPP vs. FLAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EPP iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF	9.57%	19.70%	4.76%	5.76%	-6.59%	4.26%	6.04%	18.30%	-6.46%
FLAX Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF	29.31%	33.72%	9.82%	6.27%	-18.88%	-3.54%	24.17%	17.19%	-12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between EPP and FLAX is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 9, 2018	0.76

The correlation between EPP and FLAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

EPP vs. FLAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPP	FLAX
Financial Services	46.0%	17.2%
Basic Materials	14.6%	4.2%
Industrials	8.6%	9.2%
Real Estate	7.8%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	10.2%
Healthcare	3.7%	3.3%
Utilities	3.6%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	2.8%
Energy	2.9%	3.0%
Communication Services	2.7%	6.5%
Technology	1.1%	39.7%

Return for Risk

EPP vs. FLAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPP

EPP Risk / Return Rank: 35
EPP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
EPP Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EPP Omega Ratio Rank: 32
EPP Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
EPP Martin Ratio Rank: 39

FLAX

FLAX Risk / Return Rank: 87
FLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
FLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

EPP vs. FLAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) and Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX). 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.

	EPP	FLAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	3.11	-1.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	4.06	-2.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.57	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	4.56	-2.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.27	17.96	-11.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EPP vs. FLAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPP Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the FLAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPP and FLAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EPP	FLAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.20	3.11	-1.90
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.42	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.44	-0.06

Drawdowns

EPP vs. FLAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPP drawdown since its inception was -66.01%, which is greater than FLAX's maximum drawdown of -42.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPP and FLAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPP	FLAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.01%	-42.51%	-23.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.79%	-12.99%	+4.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.29%	-19.29%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.31%	-38.75%	+12.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.79%	-1.11%	-1.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.62%	-15.41%	+4.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	3.29%	-0.51%

Volatility

EPP vs. FLAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) is 4.65%, while Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) has a volatility of 8.58%. This indicates that EPP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPP	FLAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	8.58%	-3.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.94%	16.54%	-4.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.51%	19.07%	-4.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.41%	19.02%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.11%	19.93%	-0.82%

EPP vs. FLAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPP has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than FLAX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPP vs. FLAX - Dividend Comparison

EPP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.44%, more than FLAX's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPP iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF	3.44%	3.77%	3.81%	4.10%	4.37%	4.58%	2.28%	3.89%	5.00%	4.15%	3.96%	4.90%
FLAX Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF	1.83%	2.37%	3.12%	2.20%	2.86%	2.38%	1.57%	2.23%	2.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPP and FLAX in my portfolio?

EPP and FLAX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPP or FLAX?

FLAX has higher volatility (8.58%) compared to EPP (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPP dropped -66.01% vs FLAX's -42.51%.

Which ETF is better, EPP or FLAX?

On 5-year performance, FLAX leads with 7.95% vs 4.65% for EPP. On fees, FLAX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, EPP has been the lower-risk option at 4.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPP or FLAX?

Over the 5-year period, FLAX has performed better with a 7.95% return vs 4.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPP or FLAX?

FLAX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for EPP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPP or FLAX?

EPP has the higher dividend yield at 3.44%, compared with 1.83% for FLAX.

What is the main difference between EPP and FLAX?

EPP tracks MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index, while FLAX tracks FTSE Asia ex Japan RIC Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for EPP and 0.19% for FLAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.11 vs 1.20), 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.