FLSA vs. FEMS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLSA (Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF) and FEMS (First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - FLSA tracks the FTSE Saudi Arabia RIC Capped Index while FEMS tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLSA returned 2.65%/yr vs 4.43%/yr for FEMS. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLSA charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FEMS.

Performance

FLSA vs. FEMS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) and First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLSA achieves a 5.04% return, which is significantly lower than FEMS's 12.16% return.

FLSA

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: -1.16%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 4.94%
• 1Y: 4.24%
• 3Y*: 0.78%
• 5Y*: 2.65%
• 10Y*: —

FEMS

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -0.95%
• YTD: 12.16%
• 6M: 11.13%
• 1Y: 24.48%
• 3Y*: 13.68%
• 5Y*: 4.43%
• 10Y*: 9.49%

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

FLSA vs. FEMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FLSA Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF	5.04%	-7.15%	-0.29%	12.99%	-3.58%	35.72%	3.73%	9.46%	2.95%
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	12.16%	16.48%	1.88%	3.55%	1.85%	3.76%	7.85%	28.88%	-0.59%

Correlation

The correlation between FLSA and FEMS is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 12, 2018	0.36

FLSA vs. FEMS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLSA	FEMS
Financial Services	40.5%	5.5%
Basic Materials	15.7%	12.0%
Energy	13.9%	8.7%
Communication Services	9.4%	4.6%
Utilities	4.7%	6.6%
Industrials	3.7%	16.0%
Healthcare	3.5%	3.4%
Real Estate	3.0%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	7.0%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	15.4%
Technology	1.3%	13.1%

Return for Risk

FLSA vs. FEMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLSA

FLSA Risk / Return Rank: 13
FLSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
FLSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
FLSA Omega Ratio Rank: 12
FLSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
FLSA Martin Ratio Rank: 13

FEMS

FEMS Risk / Return Rank: 47
FEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
FEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
FEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

FLSA vs. FEMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) and First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS). 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.

	FLSA	FEMS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	1.55	-1.29
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.55	2.17	-1.62
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.28	-0.22
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.38	2.86	-2.49
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.85	7.50	-6.66
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLSA vs. FEMS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLSA Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the FEMS Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLSA and FEMS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FLSA	FEMS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	1.55	-1.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17	0.25	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.27	+0.09

Drawdowns

FLSA vs. FEMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLSA drawdown since its inception was -38.31%, smaller than the maximum FEMS drawdown of -47.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLSA and FEMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLSA	FEMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.31%	-47.85%	+9.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.30%	-8.59%	-2.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-21.09%	+6.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.25%	-26.89%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.86%	-4.88%	-10.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.20%	-17.41%	+5.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.03%	3.27%	+1.76%

Volatility

FLSA vs. FEMS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) is 3.54%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) has a volatility of 6.37%. This indicates that FLSA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FEMS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLSA	FEMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	6.37%	-2.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.08%	12.98%	-0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.40%	15.84%	+0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.72%	17.79%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.41%	19.97%	-0.56%

FLSA vs. FEMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLSA has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than FEMS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLSA vs. FEMS - Dividend Comparison

FLSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.82%, less than FEMS's 4.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	4.28%	4.27%	3.97%	4.65%	4.55%	6.25%	2.90%	4.37%	4.68%	3.39%	2.42%	3.28%
FLSA Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF	3.82%	4.01%	3.01%	3.09%	1.90%	1.95%	2.16%	3.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLSA and FEMS in my portfolio?

FLSA and FEMS have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLSA or FEMS?

FEMS has higher volatility (6.37%) compared to FLSA (3.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLSA dropped -38.31% vs FEMS's -47.85%.

Which ETF is better, FLSA or FEMS?

On 5-year performance, FEMS leads with 4.43% vs 2.65% for FLSA. On fees, FLSA is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FLSA has been the lower-risk option at 3.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLSA or FEMS?

Over the 5-year period, FEMS has performed better with a 4.43% return vs 2.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLSA or FEMS?

FLSA is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLSA or FEMS?

FEMS has the higher dividend yield at 4.28%, compared with 3.82% for FLSA.

What is the main difference between FLSA and FEMS?

FLSA tracks FTSE Saudi Arabia RIC Capped Index, while FEMS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FLSA and 0.80% for FEMS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEMS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.26), 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.