EVSM vs MFLX
Eaton Vance Short Duration Municipal Income ETF vs First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF
Which is better, EVSM or MFLX?
EVSM has been ahead.
EVSM has a lower expense ratio. EVSM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EVSM | MFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19%Best | 0.93% |
| AUM | $1.0B | $20M |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 4.51% |
| Holdings | 784 | 160 |
| YTD Return | +0.32%Best | -3.07% |
| 1Y Return | +0.81%Best | -2.70% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +4.24% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | -1.53% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8%Best | 6.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -2.0%Best | -8.8% |
| $10,000 over 2.6 years | $10,736Best | $10,349 |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Tax Preferred |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Municipal Bond |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2024 | Sep 27, 2016 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 25, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.6 years).
EVSM vs MFLX growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.6 years both funds cover.
EVSM vs MFLX Performance
Eaton Vance Short Duration Municipal Income ETF (EVSM) is an ETF from Eaton Vance and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year EVSM returned +0.81% while MFLX returned -2.70%. Year to date, EVSM is up 0.32% versus a loss of 3.07% for MFLX.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.2% compared with 1.8% for EVSM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -2.0% for EVSM and -8.8% for MFLX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EVSM charges 0.19% per year while MFLX charges 0.93%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $93 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EVSM currently yields 3.06% against 4.51% for MFLX.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 97 holdings in EVSM and 1 in MFLX, totalling 29.5% and 0.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 97 positions we hold weights for in EVSM and 1 in MFLX, against full books of 784 and 160.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EVSM and MFLX you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EVSM or MFLX?
EVSM has an expense ratio of 0.19% while MFLX charges 0.93%. EVSM is the cheaper option, by $74 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EVSM or MFLX?
Over the past year EVSM returned +0.81% vs -2.70% for MFLX, so EVSM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EVSM or MFLX?
MFLX has been the more volatile fund at 6.2% annualized versus 1.8% for EVSM. Worst drawdown: EVSM -2.0% vs MFLX -8.8%.
Should I hold both EVSM and MFLX?
EVSM and MFLX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EVSM or MFLX?
EVSM yields 3.06% while MFLX yields 4.51%, so MFLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MFLX better than EVSM?
EVSM has a lower expense ratio. EVSM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.