FLKR vs. ION

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and ION (Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while ION is a Lithium & Battery Metals fund tracking the S&P Global Core Battery Metals Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLKR returned 38.49%/yr vs 7.83%/yr for ION. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for ION.

Performance

FLKR vs. ION - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLKR achieves a 67.20% return, which is significantly higher than ION's -12.05% return.

FLKR

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: -25.25%
• 6M: 45.78%
• YTD: 67.20%
• 1Y: 125.99%
• 3Y*: 38.49%
• 5Y*: 14.68%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.70%

ION

• 1D: -2.66%
• 1M: -19.28%
• 6M: -23.00%
• YTD: -12.05%
• 1Y: 45.93%
• 3Y*: 7.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 3.98%

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

FLKR vs. ION - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	67.20%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-5.41%
ION Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF	-12.05%	108.37%	-20.02%	-14.10%	-8.45%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and ION is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 1, 2022	0.48

FLKR vs. ION - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLKR	ION
Technology	53.7%	-
Industrials	15.6%	1.8%
Financial Services	12.3%	14.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	3.6%
Healthcare	3.3%	2.2%
Basic Materials	2.8%	14.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	-
Communication Services	1.8%	-
Energy	0.6%	2.7%
Utilities	0.4%	-
Real Estate	-	2.4%

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. ION — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 89
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 90

ION

ION Risk / Return Rank: 39
ION Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ION Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ION Omega Ratio Rank: 40
ION Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
ION Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. ION - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION). 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.

	FLKR	ION	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	1.15	+1.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	1.65	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.20	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.84	1.37	+3.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.43	4.26	+11.17

FLKR vs. ION - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is higher than the ION Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR and ION, 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

FLKR vs. ION - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, roughly equal to the maximum ION drawdown of -52.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and ION.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	ION	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-52.08%	+2.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.19%	-33.66%	+7.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-45.11%	+18.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.83%	-33.66%	+7.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.94%	-23.68%	+1.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.20%	10.81%	-2.61%

Volatility

FLKR vs. ION - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a higher volatility of 22.88% compared to Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) at 9.58%. This indicates that FLKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ION based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLKR	ION	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.88%	9.58%	+13.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	48.04%	31.29%	+16.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.00%	40.13%	+10.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.34%	31.64%	-0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.32%	31.64%	-2.32%

FLKR vs. ION - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than ION's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLKR vs. ION - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.76%, more than ION's 1.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	2.76%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%
ION Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF	1.69%	1.63%	1.74%	2.23%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLKR and ION in my portfolio?

FLKR and ION have a correlation of 0.41, 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 ION?

FLKR has higher volatility (22.88%) compared to ION (9.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs ION's -52.08%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or ION?

On 3-year performance, FLKR leads with 38.49% vs 7.83% for ION. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, ION has been the lower-risk option at 9.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or ION?

Over the 3-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 38.49% return vs 7.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or ION?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for ION.

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

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 2.76%, compared with 1.69% for ION.

What is the main difference between FLKR and ION?

FLKR is categorized as South Korea Equities, while ION is Lithium & Battery Metals. FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while ION tracks S&P Global Core Battery Metals Index - Benchmark TR Net. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 0.58% for ION.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.15), 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.