FLMX vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLMX (Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLMX is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the FTSE Mexico RIC Capped Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLMX returned 12.58%/yr vs 13.05%/yr for SPY. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLMX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

FLMX vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLMX achieves a 9.45% return, which is significantly higher than SPY's 8.15% return.

FLMX

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: -2.53%
• YTD: 9.45%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 33.21%
• 3Y*: 10.20%
• 5Y*: 12.58%
• 10Y*: —

SPY

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 7.20%
• 1Y: 23.59%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

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

FLMX vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLMX Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF	9.45%	53.62%	-28.45%	39.35%	2.40%	19.58%	-3.50%	12.13%	-13.32%	-0.96%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	8.15%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FLMX and SPY 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	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.48

FLMX vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLMX	SPY
Consumer Defensive	28.2%	4.5%
Basic Materials	24.4%	1.7%
Financial Services	18.6%	11.1%
Industrials	11.6%	7.8%
Communication Services	9.3%	10.6%
Real Estate	6.6%	1.8%
Consumer Cyclical	1.3%	9.9%
Energy	-	3.1%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Technology	-	39.0%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

FLMX vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLMX

FLMX Risk / Return Rank: 48
FLMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
FLMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
FLMX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
FLMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
FLMX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

FLMX vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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.

	FLMX	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.90	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.58	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.34	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	2.67	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.16	11.92	-3.75

FLMX vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLMX and SPY, 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

FLMX vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLMX drawdown since its inception was -50.05%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLMX and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLMX	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.05%	-55.19%	+5.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.18%	-8.88%	-5.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.72%	-18.76%	-12.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.72%	-24.50%	-7.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.97%	-3.17%	-3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.00%	-9.04%	-2.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	1.98%	+2.10%

Volatility

FLMX vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) has a higher volatility of 6.82% compared to State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 4.87%. This indicates that FLMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLMX	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.82%	4.87%	+1.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.06%	9.85%	+8.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.57%	12.50%	+9.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.08%	17.15%	+4.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.67%	17.95%	+6.72%

FLMX vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLMX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% 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

FLMX vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

FLMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, more than SPY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLMX Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF	1.89%	3.99%	3.31%	2.90%	4.22%	3.15%	1.48%	2.95%	2.51%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLMX and SPY in my portfolio?

FLMX and SPY 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, FLMX or SPY?

FLMX has higher volatility (6.82%) compared to SPY (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLMX dropped -50.05% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, FLMX or SPY?

On 5-year performance, SPY leads with 13.05% vs 12.58% for FLMX. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLMX or SPY?

Over the 5-year period, SPY has performed better with a 13.05% return vs 12.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLMX or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for FLMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLMX or SPY?

FLMX has the higher dividend yield at 1.89%, compared with 1.03% for SPY.

What is the main difference between FLMX and SPY?

FLMX is categorized as Latin America Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. FLMX tracks FTSE Mexico RIC Capped Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLMX and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.55), 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.