FLMX vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLMX (Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLMX is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the FTSE Mexico RIC Capped Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLMX returned 12.58%/yr vs 8.35%/yr for VXUS. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLMX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

FLMX vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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 lower than VXUS's 12.51% return.

FLMX

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

VXUS

• 1D: -3.04%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 12.51%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 29.41%
• 3Y*: 18.90%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

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

FLMX vs. VXUS - 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%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	12.51%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FLMX and VXUS is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.60

The correlation between FLMX and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLMX vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLMX	VXUS
Consumer Defensive	28.2%	4.8%
Basic Materials	24.4%	7.6%
Financial Services	18.6%	21.7%
Industrials	11.6%	15.6%
Communication Services	9.3%	4.4%
Real Estate	6.6%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	1.3%	8.2%
Energy	-	4.7%
Healthcare	-	6.8%
Technology	-	21.0%
Utilities	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

FLMX vs. VXUS — 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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 55
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.81	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.46	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.34	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	2.62	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.16	10.07	-1.91

FLMX vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLMX and VXUS, 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. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLMX drawdown since its inception was -50.05%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLMX and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLMX	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.05%	-35.97%	-14.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.18%	-11.27%	-2.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.72%	-13.58%	-18.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.72%	-29.44%	-2.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.97%	-3.04%	-3.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.00%	-8.20%	-3.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	2.93%	+1.15%

Volatility

FLMX vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 6.82% and 7.07%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLMX	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.82%	7.07%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.06%	14.44%	+3.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.57%	16.36%	+5.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.08%	16.27%	+5.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.67%	17.03%	+7.64%

FLMX vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLMX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

FLMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, less than VXUS's 2.59% 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%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.59%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLMX and VXUS in my portfolio?

FLMX and VXUS have a correlation of 0.61, 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 VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (7.07%) compared to FLMX (6.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLMX dropped -50.05% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, FLMX or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, FLMX leads with 12.58% vs 8.35% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, FLMX has been the lower-risk option at 6.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLMX or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, FLMX has performed better with a 12.58% return vs 8.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLMX or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for FLMX.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 1.89% for FLMX.

What is the main difference between FLMX and VXUS?

FLMX is categorized as Latin America Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. FLMX tracks FTSE Mexico RIC Capped Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLMX and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 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.