FLKR vs. XSD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while XSD is a Semiconductors fund tracking the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLKR returned 17.78%/yr vs 27.60%/yr for XSD. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XSD.

Performance

FLKR vs. XSD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLKR achieves a 98.10% return, which is significantly higher than XSD's 88.46% return.

FLKR

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 3.81%
• YTD: 98.10%
• 6M: 113.45%
• 1Y: 185.66%
• 3Y*: 45.52%
• 5Y*: 17.78%
• 10Y*: —

XSD

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 7.35%
• YTD: 88.46%
• 6M: 84.83%
• 1Y: 147.81%
• 3Y*: 40.43%
• 5Y*: 27.60%
• 10Y*: 30.26%

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

FLKR vs. XSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	98.10%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	3.00%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	88.46%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	-1.73%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and XSD is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.57

The correlation between FLKR and XSD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLKR vs. XSD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLKR	XSD
Technology	64.3%	97.8%
Industrials	12.8%	-
Financial Services	7.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	-
Basic Materials	2.6%	-
Healthcare	2.5%	-
Communication Services	1.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	-
Energy	0.4%	2.2%
Utilities	0.3%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. XSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 95
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 95

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 94
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. XSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). 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	XSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.08	3.80	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.94	3.94	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.53	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.11	7.99	+0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.21	26.64	+1.56

FLKR vs. XSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 4.08, which is comparable to the XSD Sharpe Ratio of 3.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR and XSD, 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. XSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, smaller than the maximum XSD drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and XSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	XSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-64.56%	+14.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.03%	-18.61%	-4.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-41.25%	+14.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.51%	-42.27%	-7.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.25%	-6.77%	-2.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.03%	-13.73%	-8.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.61%	5.57%	+1.04%

Volatility

FLKR vs. XSD - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a higher volatility of 25.85% compared to SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) at 20.05%. This indicates that FLKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XSD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLKR	XSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	25.85%	20.05%	+5.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.11%	31.79%	+10.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.82%	39.14%	+6.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.58%	38.80%	-9.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.37%	35.26%	-6.89%

FLKR vs. XSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than XSD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLKR vs. XSD - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.95%, more than XSD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	1.95%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLKR and XSD in my portfolio?

FLKR and XSD have a correlation of 0.59, 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 XSD?

FLKR has higher volatility (25.85%) compared to XSD (20.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs XSD's -64.56%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or XSD?

On 5-year performance, XSD leads with 27.60% vs 17.78% for FLKR. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, XSD has been the lower-risk option at 20.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or XSD?

Over the 5-year period, XSD has performed better with a 27.60% return vs 17.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or XSD?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XSD.

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

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 1.95%, compared with 0.13% for XSD.

What is the main difference between FLKR and XSD?

FLKR is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while XSD is Semiconductors. FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 0.35% for XSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.08 vs 3.80), 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.