FLCH vs. MCH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLCH (Franklin FTSE China ETF) and MCH (Matthews China Active ETF) are both China Equities funds. FLCH is passively managed, while MCH is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLCH returned 10.66%/yr vs 13.10%/yr for MCH. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLCH charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for MCH.

Performance

FLCH vs. MCH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE China ETF (FLCH) and Matthews China Active ETF (MCH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLCH achieves a -6.30% return, which is significantly lower than MCH's 3.98% return.

FLCH

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: -2.79%
• YTD: -6.30%
• 6M: -7.45%
• 1Y: 8.36%
• 3Y*: 10.66%
• 5Y*: -4.93%
• 10Y*: —

MCH

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 4.48%
• YTD: 3.98%
• 6M: 3.57%
• 1Y: 28.39%
• 3Y*: 13.10%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLCH vs. MCH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLCH Franklin FTSE China ETF	-6.30%	32.55%	18.00%	-11.21%	-7.66%
MCH Matthews China Active ETF	3.98%	30.20%	17.32%	-19.91%	-3.12%

Correlation

The correlation between FLCH and MCH is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2022	0.95

The correlation between FLCH and MCH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLCH vs. MCH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLCH	MCH
Consumer Cyclical	23.4%	16.2%
Financial Services	18.2%	25.5%
Communication Services	14.2%	13.2%
Technology	12.9%	15.0%
Industrials	9.1%	12.4%
Basic Materials	5.5%	9.5%
Healthcare	5.3%	5.5%
Energy	3.7%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	0.6%
Utilities	2.0%	-
Real Estate	1.7%	2.7%

Return for Risk

FLCH vs. MCH — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLCH

FLCH Risk / Return Rank: 15
FLCH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
FLCH Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
FLCH Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FLCH Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
FLCH Martin Ratio Rank: 14

MCH

MCH Risk / Return Rank: 38
MCH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
MCH Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
MCH Omega Ratio Rank: 38
MCH Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
MCH Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

FLCH vs. MCH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE China ETF (FLCH) and Matthews China Active ETF (MCH). 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.

	FLCH	MCH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	1.41	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.75	2.03	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.25	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.54	1.90	-1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.14	5.10	-3.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLCH vs. MCH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLCH Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is lower than the MCH Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLCH and MCH, 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

	FLCH	MCH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44	1.41	-0.98
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.17	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.02	0.19	-0.17

Drawdowns

FLCH vs. MCH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLCH drawdown since its inception was -62.09%, which is greater than MCH's maximum drawdown of -40.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLCH and MCH.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLCH	MCH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.09%	-40.53%	-21.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.52%	-15.05%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.43%	-30.57%	+5.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.78%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.95%	-3.41%	-30.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-30.53%	-18.50%	-12.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.38%	5.58%	+1.80%

Volatility

FLCH vs. MCH - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE China ETF (FLCH) and Matthews China Active ETF (MCH) have volatilities of 6.59% and 6.72%, 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

	FLCH	MCH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.59%	6.72%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.67%	14.45%	-0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.22%	20.18%	-0.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.59%	29.53%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.91%	29.53%	-1.62%

FLCH vs. MCH - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLCH has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than MCH's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLCH vs. MCH - Dividend Comparison

FLCH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, more than MCH's 1.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLCH Franklin FTSE China ETF	2.52%	2.36%	2.87%	3.47%	2.69%	1.48%	0.91%	1.98%	1.92%	0.01%
MCH Matthews China Active ETF	1.69%	1.76%	1.31%	1.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLCH and MCH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, FLCH and MCH 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, FLCH or MCH?

MCH has higher volatility (6.72%) compared to FLCH (6.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLCH dropped -62.09% vs MCH's -40.53%.

Which ETF is better, FLCH or MCH?

On 3-year performance, MCH leads with 13.10% vs 10.66% for FLCH. On fees, FLCH is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, FLCH has been the lower-risk option at 6.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLCH or MCH?

Over the 3-year period, MCH has performed better with a 13.10% return vs 10.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLCH or MCH?

FLCH is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MCH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLCH or MCH?

FLCH has the higher dividend yield at 2.52%, compared with 1.69% for MCH.

What is the main difference between FLCH and MCH?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLCH and 0.79% for MCH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MCH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 0.44), 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.