FLIN vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FLIN (Franklin FTSE India ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLIN is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE India RIC Capped Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLIN returned 3.89%/yr vs 8.36%/yr for VBR. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLIN charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

FLIN vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLIN achieves a -10.29% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 14.60% return.

FLIN

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: -10.29%
• 6M: -8.41%
• 1Y: -11.39%
• 3Y*: 5.77%
• 5Y*: 3.89%
• 10Y*: —

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 27.94%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

FLIN vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FLIN Franklin FTSE India ETF	-10.29%	2.40%	10.33%	20.58%	-7.96%	24.96%	14.50%	4.77%	-7.13%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.60%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-9.80%

Correlation

The correlation between FLIN and VBR is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2018	0.44

FLIN vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLIN	VBR
Financial Services	27.2%	17.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.0%	12.4%
Industrials	10.3%	18.1%
Energy	9.5%	5.2%
Basic Materials	9.2%	6.3%
Technology	8.4%	10.6%
Healthcare	6.5%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	4.0%
Utilities	5.3%	4.8%
Communication Services	4.6%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.3%	10.1%

Return for Risk

FLIN vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLIN

FLIN Risk / Return Rank: 3
FLIN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
FLIN Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FLIN Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FLIN Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
FLIN Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

FLIN vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	FLIN	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.76	1.83	-2.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.03	2.67	-3.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.31	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	3.17	-3.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.44	11.22	-12.66

FLIN vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLIN Sharpe Ratio is -0.76, which is lower than the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLIN and VBR, 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

FLIN vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLIN drawdown since its inception was -41.90%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLIN and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLIN	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.90%	-61.98%	+20.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.79%	-8.85%	-9.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-24.19%	+1.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.85%	-24.19%	+1.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.41%	0.00%	-17.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.04%	-8.26%	+0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.93%	2.50%	+5.43%

Volatility

FLIN vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN) is 4.11%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) has a volatility of 4.43%. This indicates that FLIN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLIN	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	4.43%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.89%	10.65%	+2.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.03%	15.36%	-0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.76%	19.79%	-4.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.43%	21.74%	-1.31%

FLIN vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLIN has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% 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

FLIN vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

FLIN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, less than VBR's 1.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLIN Franklin FTSE India ETF	0.62%	0.56%	1.58%	0.73%	0.73%	2.26%	0.68%	0.90%	0.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.71%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLIN and VBR in my portfolio?

FLIN and VBR have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLIN or VBR?

VBR has higher volatility (4.43%) compared to FLIN (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLIN dropped -41.90% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, FLIN or VBR?

On 5-year performance, VBR leads with 8.36% vs 3.89% for FLIN. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, FLIN has been the lower-risk option at 4.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLIN or VBR?

Over the 5-year period, VBR has performed better with a 8.36% return vs 3.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLIN or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for FLIN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLIN or VBR?

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 0.62% for FLIN.

What is the main difference between FLIN and VBR?

FLIN is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. FLIN tracks FTSE India RIC Capped Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLIN and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs -0.76), 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.