ILF vs. FLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ILF (iShares Latin American 40 ETF) and FLN (First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund) are both Latin America Equities funds - ILF tracks the S&P Latin America 40 Index while FLN tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Latin America Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ILF returned 8.49%/yr vs 9.52%/yr for FLN. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ILF charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FLN.

Performance

ILF vs. FLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Latin American 40 ETF (ILF) and First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ILF achieves a 13.05% return, which is significantly higher than FLN's 11.71% return. Over the past 10 years, ILF has underperformed FLN with an annualized return of 8.49%, while FLN has yielded a comparatively higher 9.52% annualized return.

ILF

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: -1.45%
• YTD: 13.05%
• 6M: 14.29%
• 1Y: 40.46%
• 3Y*: 13.51%
• 5Y*: 9.00%
• 10Y*: 8.49%

FLN

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: -2.38%
• YTD: 11.71%
• 6M: 14.85%
• 1Y: 34.33%
• 3Y*: 13.90%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 9.52%

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

ILF vs. FLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ILF iShares Latin American 40 ETF	13.05%	52.65%	-23.11%	33.14%	9.81%	-13.59%	-11.71%	13.77%	-6.85%	26.33%
FLN First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund	11.71%	55.05%	-23.10%	29.68%	2.73%	-6.94%	-12.27%	27.22%	-8.31%	21.54%

Correlation

The correlation between ILF and FLN is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2011	0.77

The correlation between ILF and FLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (all time) to 0.90 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ILF vs. FLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ILF	FLN
Financial Services	33.3%	23.6%
Basic Materials	24.0%	12.9%
Energy	12.0%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	7.8%
Industrials	9.3%	12.5%
Utilities	4.4%	16.2%
Communication Services	4.4%	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	1.3%	5.4%
Healthcare	1.1%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.8%	5.1%
Technology	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

ILF vs. FLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

ILF

ILF Risk / Return Rank: 54
ILF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
ILF Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
ILF Omega Ratio Rank: 51
ILF Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
ILF Martin Ratio Rank: 51

FLN

FLN Risk / Return Rank: 48
FLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
FLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
FLN Omega Ratio Rank: 45
FLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
FLN Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

ILF vs. FLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Latin American 40 ETF (ILF) and First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN). 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.

	ILF	FLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.62	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.19	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.28	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	2.63	+0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.56	7.43	+1.12

ILF vs. FLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ILF Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is comparable to the FLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ILF and FLN, 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

ILF vs. FLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ILF drawdown since its inception was -67.48%, which is greater than FLN's maximum drawdown of -57.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ILF and FLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	ILF	FLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.48%	-57.95%	-9.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.94%	-13.10%	-0.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.97%	-25.23%	+1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-25.95%	-3.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-57.79%	-57.75%	-0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.65%	-9.96%	+0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.91%	-18.87%	-5.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.74%	4.63%	+0.11%

Volatility

ILF vs. FLN - Volatility Comparison

iShares Latin American 40 ETF (ILF) has a higher volatility of 6.44% compared to First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) at 5.54%. This indicates that ILF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ILF	FLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.44%	5.54%	+0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.33%	17.91%	+0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.25%	21.33%	+0.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.28%	22.65%	+0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.40%	27.57%	+0.83%

ILF vs. FLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

ILF has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than FLN's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

ILF vs. FLN - Dividend Comparison

ILF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, less than FLN's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLN First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund	3.59%	3.40%	6.26%	4.17%	5.57%	4.70%	1.64%	1.91%	3.08%	10.28%	1.06%	2.34%
ILF iShares Latin American 40 ETF	3.47%	4.39%	7.44%	4.61%	12.72%	8.47%	1.88%	3.09%	3.12%	1.80%	1.59%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ILF and FLN in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, ILF and FLN move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ILF or FLN?

ILF has higher volatility (6.44%) compared to FLN (5.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ILF dropped -67.48% vs FLN's -57.95%.

Which ETF is better, ILF or FLN?

On 10-year performance, FLN leads with 9.52% vs 8.49% for ILF. On fees, ILF is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, FLN has been the lower-risk option at 5.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ILF or FLN?

Over the 10-year period, FLN has performed better with a 9.52% return vs 8.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ILF or FLN?

ILF is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ILF or FLN?

FLN has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 3.47% for ILF.

What is the main difference between ILF and FLN?

ILF tracks S&P Latin America 40 Index, while FLN tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Latin America Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for ILF and 0.80% for FLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ILF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.62), 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.