FLKR vs. EPU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and EPU (iShares MSCI Peru ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while EPU is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Peru Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLKR returned 16.65%/yr vs 25.82%/yr for EPU. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EPU.

Performance

FLKR vs. EPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLKR achieves a 86.43% return, which is significantly higher than EPU's 8.06% return.

FLKR

• 1D: 6.28%
• 1M: -2.80%
• YTD: 86.43%
• 6M: 95.63%
• 1Y: 177.77%
• 3Y*: 43.23%
• 5Y*: 16.65%
• 10Y*: —

EPU

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -6.18%
• YTD: 8.06%
• 6M: 18.00%
• 1Y: 64.61%
• 3Y*: 41.57%
• 5Y*: 25.82%
• 10Y*: 13.60%

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

FLKR vs. EPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	86.43%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	2.84%
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	8.06%	86.87%	21.73%	25.34%	2.05%	-11.81%	-4.31%	7.30%	-12.17%	-2.06%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and EPU is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2017	0.50

The correlation between FLKR and EPU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLKR vs. EPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLKR	EPU
Technology	64.3%	-
Industrials	12.8%	2.8%
Financial Services	7.6%	28.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	4.1%
Basic Materials	2.6%	52.7%
Healthcare	2.5%	1.2%
Communication Services	1.6%	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	3.0%
Energy	0.4%	-
Utilities	0.3%	2.8%
Real Estate	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. EPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 94
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 95

EPU

EPU Risk / Return Rank: 66
EPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
EPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
EPU Omega Ratio Rank: 66
EPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
EPU Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

FLKR vs. EPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU). 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.

	FLKR	EPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.03	2.16	+1.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.85	2.59	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.36	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.77	3.11	+4.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	27.92	9.14	+18.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLKR vs. EPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 4.03, which is higher than the EPU Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR and EPU, 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

	FLKR	EPU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.03	2.16	+1.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57	1.04	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.43	+0.05

Drawdowns

FLKR vs. EPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, smaller than the maximum EPU drawdown of -60.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and EPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	EPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-60.62%	+10.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.03%	-20.85%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-20.85%	-5.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.51%	-35.59%	-13.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.59%	-16.69%	+2.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.06%	-18.82%	-3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.40%	7.09%	-0.69%

Volatility

FLKR vs. EPU - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a higher volatility of 26.26% compared to iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) at 10.84%. This indicates that FLKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLKR	EPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	26.26%	10.84%	+15.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.64%	25.83%	+14.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.43%	30.07%	+14.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.12%	24.91%	+4.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.11%	23.52%	+4.59%

FLKR vs. EPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than EPU's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLKR vs. EPU - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.07%, more than EPU's 1.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	1.51%	1.63%	5.78%	4.17%	5.56%	3.13%	1.91%	2.67%	1.53%	3.30%	0.85%	1.90%
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	2.07%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLKR and EPU in my portfolio?

FLKR and EPU have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLKR or EPU?

FLKR has higher volatility (26.26%) compared to EPU (10.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs EPU's -60.62%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or EPU?

On 5-year performance, EPU leads with 25.82% vs 16.65% for FLKR. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, EPU has been the lower-risk option at 10.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or EPU?

Over the 5-year period, EPU has performed better with a 25.82% return vs 16.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or EPU?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EPU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLKR or EPU?

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 2.07%, compared with 1.51% for EPU.

What is the main difference between FLKR and EPU?

FLKR is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while EPU is Mid Cap Blend Equities. FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while EPU tracks MSCI All Peru Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 0.59% for EPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.03 vs 2.16), 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.