HFXI vs. FLKR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HFXI (IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF) and FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HFXI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex North America 50% Hedged to USD Index, while FLKR is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HFXI returned 12.98%/yr vs 20.92%/yr for FLKR. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HFXI charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for FLKR.

Performance

HFXI vs. FLKR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF (HFXI) 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, HFXI achieves a 20.17% return, which is significantly lower than FLKR's 125.43% return.

HFXI

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 5.03%
• YTD: 20.17%
• 6M: 20.99%
• 1Y: 40.27%
• 3Y*: 21.76%
• 5Y*: 12.98%
• 10Y*: 12.35%

FLKR

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 22.92%
• YTD: 125.43%
• 6M: 139.24%
• 1Y: 222.34%
• 3Y*: 55.23%
• 5Y*: 20.92%
• 10Y*: —

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

HFXI vs. FLKR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HFXI IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF	20.17%	30.10%	7.58%	19.56%	-10.71%	13.96%	6.88%	23.67%	-12.69%	1.14%
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	125.43%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	3.00%

Correlation

The correlation between HFXI and FLKR is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.68

The correlation between HFXI and FLKR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

HFXI vs. FLKR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HFXI	FLKR
Financial Services	22.8%	7.5%
Industrials	20.1%	14.6%
Technology	14.6%	62.9%
Healthcare	9.5%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	6.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	1.4%
Basic Materials	5.9%	1.9%
Energy	3.6%	0.7%
Utilities	3.6%	0.3%
Communication Services	3.5%	2.0%
Real Estate	2.5%	-

Return for Risk

HFXI vs. FLKR — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFXI

HFXI Risk / Return Rank: 81
HFXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
HFXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
HFXI Omega Ratio Rank: 84
HFXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
HFXI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 95
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 94
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

HFXI vs. FLKR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF (HFXI) 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.

	HFXI	FLKR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.59	4.80	-2.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.52	4.38	-0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.64	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.73	9.72	-5.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.66	33.72	-19.05

HFXI vs. FLKR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFXI Sharpe Ratio is 2.59, which is lower than the FLKR Sharpe Ratio of 4.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFXI 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

HFXI vs. FLKR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFXI drawdown since its inception was -32.42%, smaller than the maximum FLKR drawdown of -50.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFXI and FLKR.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFXI	FLKR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.42%	-50.06%	+17.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.84%	-23.03%	+12.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.52%	-26.39%	+12.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.35%	-49.51%	+27.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.44%	-21.99%	+16.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	6.63%	-3.88%

Volatility

HFXI vs. FLKR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF (HFXI) is 6.27%, while Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a volatility of 26.54%. This indicates that HFXI 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

	HFXI	FLKR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.27%	26.54%	-20.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.62%	42.94%	-29.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.65%	46.77%	-31.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.05%	29.97%	-14.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	28.56%	-11.91%

HFXI vs. FLKR - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFXI has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than FLKR's 0.09% 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

HFXI vs. FLKR - Dividend Comparison

HFXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than FLKR's 1.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	1.62%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%
HFXI IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE International ETF	3.22%	4.19%	2.68%	2.49%	4.65%	3.10%	2.00%	3.19%	4.33%	2.56%	2.71%	0.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFXI and FLKR in my portfolio?

HFXI and FLKR have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HFXI or FLKR?

FLKR has higher volatility (26.54%) compared to HFXI (6.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFXI dropped -32.42% vs FLKR's -50.06%.

Which ETF is better, HFXI or FLKR?

On 5-year performance, FLKR leads with 20.92% vs 12.98% for HFXI. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, HFXI has been the lower-risk option at 6.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HFXI or FLKR?

Over the 5-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 20.92% return vs 12.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFXI or FLKR?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for HFXI.

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

HFXI has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 1.62% for FLKR.

What is the main difference between HFXI and FLKR?

HFXI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while FLKR is Asia Pacific Equities. HFXI tracks FTSE Developed ex North America 50% Hedged to USD Index, while FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: New York Life and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for HFXI and 0.09% for FLKR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.80 vs 2.59), 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.