FRDM vs. FLKR

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) and FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FRDM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index, while FLKR is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FRDM returned 17.22%/yr vs 14.07%/yr for FLKR. Their correlation of 0.81 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FRDM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for FLKR.

Performance

FRDM vs. FLKR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRDM achieves a 28.12% return, which is significantly lower than FLKR's 61.37% return.

FRDM

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: -4.87%
• 6M: 13.53%
• YTD: 28.12%
• 1Y: 65.50%
• 3Y*: 29.15%
• 5Y*: 17.22%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.90%

FLKR

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: -12.85%
• 6M: 29.07%
• YTD: 61.37%
• 1Y: 124.39%
• 3Y*: 35.68%
• 5Y*: 14.07%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.21%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	$43.49M	$47.84M	$51.57M
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	$22.77M	$21.45M	$25.02M

FRDM vs. FLKR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	28.12%	61.27%	1.70%	22.77%	-14.45%	6.13%	16.90%	12.23%
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	61.37%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	14.46%

Correlation

The correlation between FRDM and FLKR is 0.86, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2019	0.81

The correlation between FRDM and FLKR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

FRDM vs. FLKR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FRDM	FLKR
Financial Services	15.3%	12.3%
Technology	8.5%	50.8%
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	7.1%
Basic Materials	3.4%	2.9%
Real Estate	2.3%	-
Energy	1.7%	0.7%
Utilities	1.2%	0.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	2.2%
Industrials	0.3%	17.1%
Communication Services	0.3%	2.5%
Healthcare	0.1%	3.6%

Return for Risk

FRDM vs. FLKR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 85
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 85
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 86

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FRDM vs. FLKR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). 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.

	FRDM	FLKR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	2.21	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.56	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.36	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.39	3.46	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.29	12.27	-0.98

FRDM vs. FLKR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRDM Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the FLKR Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRDM and FLKR, 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

FRDM vs. FLKR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRDM drawdown since its inception was -40.49%, smaller than the maximum FLKR drawdown of -50.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRDM and FLKR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRDM	FLKR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.49%	-50.06%	+9.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.24%	-34.17%	+14.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.24%	-34.17%	+14.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.25%	-47.97%	+18.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.15%	-28.42%	+14.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.13%	-21.96%	+14.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.77%	9.61%	-3.84%

Volatility

FRDM vs. FLKR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) is 12.28%, while Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a volatility of 21.39%. This indicates that FRDM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLKR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRDM	FLKR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.28%	21.39%	-9.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.47%	50.33%	-21.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.66%	53.42%	-22.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.38%	32.16%	-9.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.62%	29.79%	-6.17%

FRDM vs. FLKR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRDM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than FLKR's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRDM vs. FLKR - Dividend Comparison

FRDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.69%, less than FLKR's 2.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	2.86%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.69%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRDM and FLKR in my portfolio?

FRDM and FLKR have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRDM or FLKR?

FLKR has higher volatility (21.39%) compared to FRDM (12.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRDM dropped -40.49% vs FLKR's -50.06%.

Which ETF is better, FRDM or FLKR?

On 5-year performance, FRDM leads with 17.22% vs 14.07% for FLKR. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FRDM has been the lower-risk option at 12.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FRDM or FLKR?

Over the 5-year period, FRDM has performed better with a 17.22% return vs 14.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FRDM or FLKR?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for FRDM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FRDM or FLKR?

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 2.86%, compared with 1.69% for FRDM.

What is the main difference between FRDM and FLKR?

FRDM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while FLKR is South Korea Equities. FRDM tracks Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index, while FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: Freedom Funds and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for FRDM and 0.09% for FLKR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 2.13), 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.