FLSW vs. FSZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLSW (Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF) and FSZ (First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - FLSW tracks the FTSE Switzerland RIC Capped Index while FSZ tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLSW returned 7.06%/yr vs 6.20%/yr for FSZ. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLSW charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FSZ.

Performance

FLSW vs. FSZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) and First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLSW achieves a 4.52% return, which is significantly higher than FSZ's 2.53% return.

FLSW

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: -0.04%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 6M: 3.79%
• 1Y: 17.63%
• 3Y*: 12.98%
• 5Y*: 7.06%
• 10Y*: —

FSZ

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 2.53%
• 6M: 1.73%
• 1Y: 11.07%
• 3Y*: 13.17%
• 5Y*: 6.20%
• 10Y*: 10.25%

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

FLSW vs. FSZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FLSW Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF	4.52%	32.92%	-1.77%	16.79%	-18.14%	20.82%	13.25%	31.66%	-7.85%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.53%	30.10%	-1.85%	21.30%	-20.12%	20.18%	13.83%	25.88%	-16.35%

Correlation

The correlation between FLSW and FSZ is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2018	0.78

The correlation between FLSW and FSZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLSW vs. FSZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLSW	FSZ
Healthcare	37.3%	14.6%
Financial Services	17.6%	22.0%
Industrials	14.1%	17.1%
Consumer Defensive	13.7%	4.9%
Basic Materials	7.8%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	7.3%
Technology	1.3%	4.9%
Real Estate	1.2%	2.4%
Communication Services	1.2%	2.4%
Utilities	0.2%	2.4%
Energy	-	-

Return for Risk

FLSW vs. FSZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLSW

FLSW Risk / Return Rank: 31
FLSW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
FLSW Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
FLSW Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FLSW Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FLSW Martin Ratio Rank: 31

FSZ

FSZ Risk / Return Rank: 23
FSZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FSZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

FLSW vs. FSZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) and First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ). 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.

	FLSW	FSZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	0.78	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	1.21	+0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.14	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.32	1.07	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.20	2.61	+1.58

FLSW vs. FSZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLSW Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is higher than the FSZ Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLSW and FSZ, 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

FLSW vs. FSZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLSW drawdown since its inception was -28.16%, smaller than the maximum FSZ drawdown of -33.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLSW and FSZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLSW	FSZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.16%	-33.97%	+5.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.38%	-10.39%	-2.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.38%	-13.93%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.16%	-33.96%	+5.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.81%	-4.66%	+0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.95%	-6.98%	+1.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	4.24%	-0.03%

Volatility

FLSW vs. FSZ - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) has a higher volatility of 4.57% compared to First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ) at 4.07%. This indicates that FLSW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLSW	FSZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.57%	4.07%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.43%	11.05%	+1.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.65%	14.34%	+1.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.76%	19.35%	-3.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.88%	18.75%	-1.87%

FLSW vs. FSZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLSW has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than FSZ's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLSW vs. FSZ - Dividend Comparison

FLSW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than FSZ's 2.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLSW Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF	0.12%	2.12%	2.04%	2.36%	2.02%	1.86%	2.28%	1.15%	2.86%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.38%	1.80%	1.80%	2.11%	3.50%	1.62%	1.53%	2.01%	2.29%	1.49%	1.93%	1.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLSW and FSZ in my portfolio?

FLSW and FSZ have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLSW or FSZ?

FLSW has higher volatility (4.57%) compared to FSZ (4.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLSW dropped -28.16% vs FSZ's -33.97%.

Which ETF is better, FLSW or FSZ?

On 5-year performance, FLSW leads with 7.06% vs 6.20% for FSZ. On fees, FLSW is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FSZ has been the lower-risk option at 4.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLSW or FSZ?

Over the 5-year period, FLSW has performed better with a 7.06% return vs 6.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLSW or FSZ?

FLSW is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FSZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLSW or FSZ?

FSZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.38%, compared with 0.12% for FLSW.

What is the main difference between FLSW and FSZ?

FLSW tracks FTSE Switzerland RIC Capped Index, while FSZ tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLSW and 0.80% for FSZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLSW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 0.78), 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.