FLKR vs. XLI

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while XLI is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Industrial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLKR returned 14.68%/yr vs 13.15%/yr for XLI. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLI.

Performance

FLKR vs. XLI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI). 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 XLI's 15.43% 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%

XLI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -1.30%
• 6M: 7.29%
• YTD: 15.43%
• 1Y: 19.12%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: 13.15%
• 10Y*: 13.76%
• ALL TIME*: 9.61%

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

FLKR vs. XLI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	67.20%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	3.00%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	15.43%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-13.25%	5.92%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and XLI is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.51

The correlation between FLKR and XLI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLKR vs. XLI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLKR	XLI
Technology	53.7%	6.3%
Industrials	15.6%	93.3%
Financial Services	12.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	0.2%
Healthcare	3.3%	-
Basic Materials	2.8%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	-
Communication Services	1.8%	-
Energy	0.6%	-
Utilities	0.4%	5.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. XLI — 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

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 43
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 39
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. XLI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI). 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	XLI	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	1.71	+1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.20	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.84	1.57	+3.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.43	6.09	+9.34

FLKR vs. XLI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

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

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, smaller than the maximum XLI drawdown of -62.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and XLI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	XLI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-62.26%	+12.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.19%	-12.21%	-13.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-18.49%	-7.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.97%	-21.64%	-26.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.83%	-4.01%	-21.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.94%	-9.17%	-12.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.20%	3.15%	+5.05%

Volatility

FLKR vs. XLI - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a higher volatility of 22.88% compared to Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) at 5.03%. This indicates that FLKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLKR	XLI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.88%	5.03%	+17.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	48.04%	13.80%	+34.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.00%	16.68%	+34.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.34%	17.53%	+13.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.32%	20.01%	+9.31%

FLKR vs. XLI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than XLI'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. XLI - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.76%, more than XLI's 1.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.16%	1.29%	1.44%	1.63%	1.63%	1.25%	1.55%	1.94%	2.15%	1.77%	2.07%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLKR and XLI in my portfolio?

FLKR and XLI have a correlation of 0.45, 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 XLI?

FLKR has higher volatility (22.88%) compared to XLI (5.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs XLI's -62.26%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or XLI?

On 5-year performance, FLKR leads with 14.68% vs 13.15% for XLI. On fees, XLI is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLI has been the lower-risk option at 5.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or XLI?

Over the 5-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 14.68% return vs 13.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or XLI?

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

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

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 2.76%, compared with 1.16% for XLI.

What is the main difference between FLKR and XLI?

FLKR is categorized as South Korea Equities, while XLI is Industrials Equities. FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 0.08% for XLI.

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.