FLAX vs. BKEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLAX (Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF) and BKEM (BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds - FLAX tracks the FTSE Asia ex Japan RIC Capped Index while BKEM tracks the Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLAX returned 7.35%/yr vs 6.77%/yr for BKEM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLAX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for BKEM.

Performance

FLAX vs. BKEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FLAX having a 24.30% return and BKEM slightly higher at 24.97%.

FLAX

• 1D: -5.68%
• 1M: 2.36%
• YTD: 24.30%
• 6M: 25.58%
• 1Y: 48.51%
• 3Y*: 23.90%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: —

BKEM

• 1D: -5.37%
• 1M: 2.20%
• YTD: 24.97%
• 6M: 25.93%
• 1Y: 47.05%
• 3Y*: 22.54%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: —

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

FLAX vs. BKEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FLAX Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF	24.30%	33.72%	9.82%	6.27%	-18.88%	-3.54%	46.19%
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	24.97%	30.55%	7.53%	8.68%	-19.43%	-3.91%	48.44%

Correlation

The correlation between FLAX and BKEM is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 24, 2020	0.96

The correlation between FLAX and BKEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLAX vs. BKEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLAX	BKEM
Technology	46.4%	43.0%
Financial Services	15.6%	16.9%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	8.7%
Industrials	8.2%	8.1%
Communication Services	5.6%	5.8%
Basic Materials	3.6%	5.7%
Healthcare	2.9%	2.7%
Energy	2.5%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	2.6%
Utilities	1.9%	2.0%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.1%

Return for Risk

FLAX vs. BKEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLAX

FLAX Risk / Return Rank: 75
FLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
FLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

BKEM

BKEM Risk / Return Rank: 71
BKEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
BKEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
BKEM Omega Ratio Rank: 72
BKEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BKEM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

FLAX vs. BKEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM). 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.

	FLAX	BKEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	2.14	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	2.71	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.40	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.75	3.61	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.91	13.18	+0.73

FLAX vs. BKEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the BKEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLAX and BKEM, 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

FLAX vs. BKEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLAX drawdown since its inception was -42.51%, which is greater than BKEM's maximum drawdown of -39.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLAX and BKEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLAX	BKEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.51%	-39.48%	-3.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-13.11%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.29%	-18.38%	-0.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.64%	-36.20%	-2.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.68%	-5.37%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.34%	-15.89%	+0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.50%	3.58%	-0.08%

Volatility

FLAX vs. BKEM - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) have volatilities of 12.58% and 12.30%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLAX	BKEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.58%	12.30%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.97%	20.07%	-0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.02%	22.13%	-0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.66%	19.35%	+0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.26%	19.55%	+0.71%

FLAX vs. BKEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLAX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than BKEM's 0.11% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLAX vs. BKEM - Dividend Comparison

FLAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than BKEM's 1.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.51%	2.25%	2.76%	3.02%	3.15%	2.22%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%
FLAX Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF	1.46%	2.37%	3.12%	2.20%	2.86%	2.38%	1.57%	2.23%	2.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLAX and BKEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FLAX and BKEM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FLAX or BKEM?

FLAX has higher volatility (12.58%) compared to BKEM (12.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLAX dropped -42.51% vs BKEM's -39.48%.

Which ETF is better, FLAX or BKEM?

On 5-year performance, FLAX leads with 7.35% vs 6.77% for BKEM. On fees, BKEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, BKEM has been the lower-risk option at 12.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLAX or BKEM?

Over the 5-year period, FLAX has performed better with a 7.35% return vs 6.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLAX or BKEM?

BKEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for FLAX.

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

BKEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 1.46% for FLAX.

What is the main difference between FLAX and BKEM?

FLAX tracks FTSE Asia ex Japan RIC Capped Index, while BKEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and BNY Mellon. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLAX and 0.11% for BKEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 2.14), 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.