FLKR vs. VPL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and VPL (Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds - FLKR tracks the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index while VPL tracks the FTSE Developed Asia Pacific Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLKR returned 17.46%/yr vs 9.86%/yr for VPL. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VPL.

Performance

FLKR vs. VPL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLKR achieves a 97.22% return, which is significantly higher than VPL's 25.73% return.

FLKR

• 1D: -12.51%
• 1M: 7.54%
• YTD: 97.22%
• 6M: 107.52%
• 1Y: 178.78%
• 3Y*: 48.47%
• 5Y*: 17.46%
• 10Y*: —

VPL

• 1D: -5.86%
• 1M: 1.56%
• YTD: 25.73%
• 6M: 25.83%
• 1Y: 47.86%
• 3Y*: 22.03%
• 5Y*: 9.86%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

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

FLKR vs. VPL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	97.22%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	3.00%
VPL Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF	25.73%	32.66%	1.68%	15.58%	-15.20%	1.10%	16.65%	18.16%	-14.40%	2.76%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and VPL is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.76

The correlation between FLKR and VPL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLKR vs. VPL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLKR	VPL
Technology	62.9%	22.6%
Industrials	14.6%	20.5%
Financial Services	7.5%	19.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	9.6%
Healthcare	2.4%	5.0%
Communication Services	2.0%	4.8%
Basic Materials	1.9%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	3.5%
Energy	0.7%	1.6%
Utilities	0.3%	1.6%
Real Estate	-	4.3%

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. VPL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 92
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 94

VPL

VPL Risk / Return Rank: 70
VPL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VPL Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VPL Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VPL Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VPL Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. VPL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL). 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	VPL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.71	2.16	+1.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.60	2.76	+0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.40	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.81	3.61	+4.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.91	13.71	+13.20

FLKR vs. VPL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 3.71, which is higher than the VPL Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR and VPL, 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. VPL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, smaller than the maximum VPL drawdown of -55.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and VPL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	VPL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-55.49%	+5.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.03%	-13.33%	-9.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-16.35%	-10.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.51%	-31.09%	-18.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.51%	-5.86%	-6.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.98%	-11.61%	-10.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.67%	3.50%	+3.17%

Volatility

FLKR vs. VPL - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a higher volatility of 30.00% compared to Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL) at 11.91%. This indicates that FLKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLKR	VPL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	30.00%	11.91%	+18.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	45.17%	19.95%	+25.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	48.46%	22.25%	+26.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.50%	17.93%	+12.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.88%	17.52%	+11.36%

FLKR vs. VPL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VPL's 0.08% 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

FLKR vs. VPL - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.86%, less than VPL's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	1.86%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%
VPL Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF	2.66%	4.01%	3.15%	3.12%	2.75%	3.19%	1.81%	2.84%	3.06%	2.57%	2.65%	2.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLKR and VPL in my portfolio?

FLKR and VPL have a correlation of 0.80, 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 VPL?

FLKR has higher volatility (30.00%) compared to VPL (11.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs VPL's -55.49%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or VPL?

On 5-year performance, FLKR leads with 17.46% vs 9.86% for VPL. On fees, VPL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, VPL has been the lower-risk option at 11.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or VPL?

Over the 5-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 17.46% return vs 9.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or VPL?

VPL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for FLKR.

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

VPL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 1.86% for FLKR.

What is the main difference between FLKR and VPL?

FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while VPL tracks FTSE Developed Asia Pacific Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 0.08% for VPL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.71 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.