FLSW vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FLSW (Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLSW is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Switzerland 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, FLSW returned 6.92%/yr vs 8.32%/yr for VXUS. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLSW charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

FLSW vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) 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, FLSW achieves a 4.68% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 13.69% return.

FLSW

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 2.78%
• YTD: 4.68%
• 6M: 7.65%
• 1Y: 16.23%
• 3Y*: 12.91%
• 5Y*: 6.92%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

FLSW vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FLSW Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF	4.68%	32.92%	-1.77%	16.79%	-18.14%	20.82%	13.25%	31.66%	-7.85%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.20%

Correlation

The correlation between FLSW and VXUS is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2018	0.73

The correlation between FLSW and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLSW vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLSW	VXUS
Healthcare	37.3%	7.1%
Financial Services	17.6%	22.3%
Industrials	14.1%	16.1%
Consumer Defensive	13.7%	5.0%
Basic Materials	7.8%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	8.4%
Technology	1.3%	18.1%
Real Estate	1.2%	2.6%
Communication Services	1.2%	4.4%
Utilities	0.2%	3.2%
Energy	-	5.2%

Return for Risk

FLSW vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLSW

FLSW Risk / Return Rank: 27
FLSW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
FLSW Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
FLSW Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FLSW Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
FLSW Martin Ratio Rank: 28

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) 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.

	FLSW	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	1.77	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	2.44	-1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.33	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.05	2.53	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.37	9.72	-6.35

FLSW vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLSW Sharpe Ratio is 0.89, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLSW 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

FLSW vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLSW drawdown since its inception was -28.16%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLSW and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLSW	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.16%	-35.97%	+7.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.38%	-11.27%	-2.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.38%	-13.58%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.16%	-29.44%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-1.47%	-2.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.96%	-8.21%	+2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	2.93%	+1.28%

Volatility

FLSW vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) is 4.97%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.71%. This indicates that FLSW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLSW	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.97%	6.71%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.56%	14.02%	-1.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.89%	16.09%	-0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.77%	16.21%	-0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.90%	17.20%	-0.30%

FLSW vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLSW has a 0.09% 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

FLSW vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

FLSW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than VXUS's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLSW Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF	2.02%	2.12%	2.04%	2.36%	2.02%	1.86%	2.28%	1.15%	2.86%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	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 FLSW and VXUS in my portfolio?

FLSW and VXUS have a correlation of 0.76, 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 VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to FLSW (4.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLSW dropped -28.16% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, FLSW or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, VXUS leads with 8.32% vs 6.92% for FLSW. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, FLSW has been the lower-risk option at 4.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLSW or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 8.32% return vs 6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLSW or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for FLSW.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.02% for FLSW.

What is the main difference between FLSW and VXUS?

FLSW is categorized as Europe Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. FLSW tracks FTSE Switzerland 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: 0.09% for FLSW and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.89), 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.