FLJP vs. IAUM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FLJP (Franklin FTSE Japan ETF) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both exchange-traded funds - FLJP is a Japan Equities fund tracking the FTSE Japan RIC Capped Index, while IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLJP returned 16.94%/yr vs 29.28%/yr for IAUM. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.

Performance

FLJP vs. IAUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Japan ETF (FLJP) and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLJP achieves a 14.83% return, which is significantly higher than IAUM's -2.40% return.

FLJP

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 14.83%
• 6M: 14.62%
• 1Y: 31.78%
• 3Y*: 16.94%
• 5Y*: 8.82%
• 10Y*: —

IAUM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -9.51%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 6M: -2.08%
• 1Y: 22.55%
• 3Y*: 29.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLJP vs. IAUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FLJP Franklin FTSE Japan ETF	14.83%	26.79%	6.99%	20.00%	-16.57%	-1.04%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-2.40%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between FLJP and IAUM is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	0.28

Return for Risk

FLJP vs. IAUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLJP

FLJP Risk / Return Rank: 54
FLJP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FLJP Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FLJP Omega Ratio Rank: 55
FLJP Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
FLJP Martin Ratio Rank: 54

IAUM

IAUM Risk / Return Rank: 27
IAUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAUM Omega Ratio Rank: 31
IAUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAUM Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

FLJP vs. IAUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Japan ETF (FLJP) and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM). 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.

	FLJP	IAUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	0.90	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	1.26	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.19	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	1.00	+1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.10	2.87	+5.23

FLJP vs. IAUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLJP Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is higher than the IAUM Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLJP and IAUM, 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

FLJP vs. IAUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLJP drawdown since its inception was -32.49%, which is greater than IAUM's maximum drawdown of -24.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLJP and IAUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLJP	IAUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.49%	-24.37%	-8.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.30%	-24.37%	+11.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.17%	-24.37%	+10.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.49%	-21.99%	+20.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.34%	-5.38%	-3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.83%	8.46%	-4.63%

Volatility

FLJP vs. IAUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE Japan ETF (FLJP) is 5.62%, while iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) has a volatility of 7.71%. This indicates that FLJP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLJP	IAUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.62%	7.71%	-2.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.45%	23.82%	-8.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.47%	27.06%	-7.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.86%	18.05%	-0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	18.05%	-0.21%

FLJP vs. IAUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FLJP and IAUM have an expense ratio of 0.09%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLJP vs. IAUM - Dividend Comparison

FLJP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.48%, while IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLJP Franklin FTSE Japan ETF	4.48%	5.15%	4.56%	3.00%	1.92%	2.40%	1.51%	2.26%	1.50%	0.10%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLJP and IAUM in my portfolio?

FLJP and IAUM have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLJP or IAUM?

IAUM has higher volatility (7.71%) compared to FLJP (5.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLJP dropped -32.49% vs IAUM's -24.37%.

Which ETF is better, FLJP or IAUM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 29.28% vs 16.94% for FLJP. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, FLJP has been the lower-risk option at 5.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLJP or IAUM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 29.28% return vs 16.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLJP or IAUM?

FLJP and IAUM have the same expense ratio: 0.09% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLJP or IAUM?

FLJP has the higher dividend yield at 4.48%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between FLJP and IAUM?

FLJP is categorized as Japan Equities, while IAUM is Gold. FLJP tracks FTSE Japan RIC Capped Index, while IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLJP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 0.90), 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.