FLSA vs. VEXC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLSA (Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - FLSA tracks the FTSE Saudi Arabia RIC Capped Index while VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLSA charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

FLSA vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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 VEXC's 20.21% return.

FLSA

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

VEXC

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 20.21%
• 6M: 23.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLSA vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FLSA Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF	5.04%	-8.57%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.21%	4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between FLSA and VEXC is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

FLSA vs. VEXC — 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

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. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF (FLSA) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.55	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.38	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.85	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FLSA	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	2.21	-1.85

Drawdowns

FLSA vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLSA drawdown since its inception was -38.31%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLSA and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLSA	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.31%	-12.42%	-25.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.30%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.86%	-1.20%	-14.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.20%	-2.23%	-9.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.03%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FLSA	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.08%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.40%	18.89%	-2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.72%	18.89%	-3.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.41%	18.89%	+0.52%

FLSA vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLSA has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLSA vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

FLSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.82%, more than VEXC's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FLSA Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF	3.82%	4.01%	3.01%	3.09%	1.90%	1.95%	2.16%	3.18%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLSA and VEXC in my portfolio?

FLSA and VEXC have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FLSA or VEXC?

On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLSA or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FLSA.

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

FLSA has the higher dividend yield at 3.82%, compared with 0.74% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between FLSA and VEXC?

FLSA tracks FTSE Saudi Arabia RIC Capped Index, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FLSA and 0.07% for VEXC.