FLIN vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

FLIN (Franklin FTSE India ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLIN is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE India RIC Capped Index, while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLIN returned 3.66%/yr vs 16.94%/yr for XAR. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLIN charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

FLIN vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLIN achieves a -11.27% return, which is significantly lower than XAR's 17.94% return.

FLIN

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: -11.27%
• 6M: -10.27%
• 1Y: -13.20%
• 3Y*: 5.71%
• 5Y*: 3.66%
• 10Y*: —

XAR

• 1D: 6.62%
• 1M: 5.95%
• YTD: 17.94%
• 6M: 18.96%
• 1Y: 43.77%
• 3Y*: 34.21%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: 18.55%

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

FLIN vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FLIN Franklin FTSE India ETF	-11.27%	2.40%	10.33%	20.58%	-7.96%	24.96%	14.50%	4.77%	-7.13%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	17.94%	46.15%	23.32%	23.79%	-5.02%	2.31%	6.18%	39.33%	-5.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FLIN and XAR is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2018	0.37

The correlation between FLIN and XAR shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (1 year) to 0.38 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FLIN vs. XAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLIN	XAR
Financial Services	27.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.0%	-
Industrials	10.3%	99.1%
Energy	9.5%	-
Basic Materials	9.2%	-
Technology	8.4%	0.8%
Healthcare	6.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	-
Utilities	5.3%	-
Communication Services	4.6%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	-

Return for Risk

FLIN vs. XAR — 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: 3
FLIN Omega Ratio Rank: 3
FLIN Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
FLIN Martin Ratio Rank: 0

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 56
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 50
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.88	1.58	-2.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.22	2.29	-3.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.26	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.71	2.55	-3.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.68	7.17	-8.85

FLIN vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLIN Sharpe Ratio is -0.88, which is lower than the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLIN and XAR, 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. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLIN drawdown since its inception was -41.90%, smaller than the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLIN and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLIN	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.90%	-46.37%	+4.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.79%	-17.22%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-19.73%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.85%	-32.40%	+9.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.31%	-2.81%	-15.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.03%	-6.78%	-1.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.89%	6.12%	+1.77%

Volatility

FLIN vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN) is 4.13%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 11.32%. This indicates that FLIN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLIN	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.13%	11.32%	-7.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.84%	23.52%	-10.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.99%	27.80%	-12.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.76%	23.66%	-7.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.43%	24.74%	-4.31%

FLIN vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLIN has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLIN vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

FLIN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, more than XAR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLIN Franklin FTSE India ETF	0.63%	0.56%	1.58%	0.73%	0.73%	2.26%	0.68%	0.90%	0.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLIN and XAR in my portfolio?

FLIN and XAR have a correlation of 0.26, 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 XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (11.32%) compared to FLIN (4.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLIN dropped -41.90% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, FLIN or XAR?

On 5-year performance, XAR leads with 16.94% vs 3.66% for FLIN. On fees, FLIN is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, FLIN has been the lower-risk option at 4.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLIN or XAR?

Over the 5-year period, XAR has performed better with a 16.94% return vs 3.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLIN or XAR?

FLIN is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XAR.

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

FLIN has the higher dividend yield at 0.63%, compared with 0.31% for XAR.

What is the main difference between FLIN and XAR?

FLIN is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while XAR is Aerospace & Defense. FLIN tracks FTSE India RIC Capped Index, while XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLIN and 0.35% for XAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs -0.88), 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.