FLSA vs. LVHD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLSA (Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF) and LVHD (Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLSA is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Saudi Arabia RIC Capped Index, while LVHD is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the QS Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLSA returned 2.65%/yr vs 6.06%/yr for LVHD. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLSA charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for LVHD.

Performance

FLSA vs. LVHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) and Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD). 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 LVHD's 6.72% return.

FLSA

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

LVHD

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.27%
• YTD: 6.72%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 9.60%
• 3Y*: 9.33%
• 5Y*: 6.06%
• 10Y*: 8.03%

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

FLSA vs. LVHD - 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%
LVHD Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF	6.72%	7.50%	10.18%	-0.95%	-1.82%	26.90%	-1.28%	22.91%	-2.94%

Correlation

The correlation between FLSA and LVHD is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 12, 2018	0.28

The correlation between FLSA and LVHD shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (1 year) to 0.30 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FLSA vs. LVHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLSA	LVHD
Financial Services	40.5%	8.6%
Basic Materials	15.7%	-
Energy	13.9%	6.7%
Communication Services	9.4%	3.8%
Utilities	4.7%	25.5%
Industrials	3.7%	4.6%
Healthcare	3.5%	4.6%
Real Estate	3.0%	15.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	18.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	6.8%
Technology	1.3%	5.9%

Return for Risk

FLSA vs. LVHD — 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

LVHD

LVHD Risk / Return Rank: 28
LVHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
LVHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
LVHD Omega Ratio Rank: 25
LVHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
LVHD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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. LVHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) and Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD). 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	LVHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	1.01	-0.75
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.55	1.51	-0.96
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.17	-0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.38	1.56	-1.19
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.85	3.98	-3.13
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. LVHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLSA Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the LVHD Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLSA and LVHD, 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	LVHD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	1.01	-0.75
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17	0.47	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.56	-0.20

Drawdowns

FLSA vs. LVHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLSA drawdown since its inception was -38.31%, roughly equal to the maximum LVHD drawdown of -37.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLSA and LVHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLSA	LVHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.31%	-37.32%	-0.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.30%	-6.17%	-5.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-14.29%	-0.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.25%	-16.75%	-10.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.86%	-4.84%	-11.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.20%	-4.05%	-8.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.03%	2.42%	+2.61%

Volatility

FLSA vs. LVHD - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) has a higher volatility of 3.54% compared to Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD) at 2.86%. This indicates that FLSA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LVHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLSA	LVHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	2.86%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.08%	6.64%	+5.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.40%	9.52%	+6.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.72%	12.87%	+2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.41%	15.50%	+3.91%

FLSA vs. LVHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLSA has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than LVHD's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLSA vs. LVHD - Dividend Comparison

FLSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.82%, more than LVHD's 3.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
LVHD Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF	3.40%	3.35%	4.23%	3.55%	3.30%	2.56%	3.27%	3.30%	3.82%	3.33%	2.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLSA and LVHD in my portfolio?

FLSA and LVHD have a correlation of 0.19, 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 LVHD?

FLSA has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to LVHD (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLSA dropped -38.31% vs LVHD's -37.32%.

Which ETF is better, FLSA or LVHD?

On 5-year performance, LVHD leads with 6.06% vs 2.65% for FLSA. On fees, LVHD is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, LVHD has been the lower-risk option at 2.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLSA or LVHD?

Over the 5-year period, LVHD has performed better with a 6.06% 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 LVHD?

LVHD is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FLSA.

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

FLSA has the higher dividend yield at 3.82%, compared with 3.40% for LVHD.

What is the main difference between FLSA and LVHD?

FLSA is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while LVHD is Volatility Hedged Equity. FLSA tracks FTSE Saudi Arabia RIC Capped Index, while LVHD tracks QS Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FLSA and 0.27% for LVHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LVHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.01 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.