FLMB vs MFLX
Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF vs First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF
Which is better, FLMB or MFLX?
Each has led over a different period.
FLMB has a lower expense ratio. FLMB led over 5Y and the full window, MFLX over 1Y and 3Y.
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 | FLMB | MFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30%Best | 0.75% |
| AUM | $53M | $20M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 4.25% |
| Holdings | 77 | 160 |
| YTD Return | -5.00% | -3.59%Best |
| 1Y Return | -4.08% | -3.10%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.04% | +4.01%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.68%Best | -1.43% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9%Best | 8.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9%Best | -26.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,665Best | $9,305 |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Tax Preferred |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Municipal Bond |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | Sep 27, 2016 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 5, 2017 to Oct 12, 2026 (9.1 years).
FLMB 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 9.1 years both funds cover.
FLMB vs MFLX Performance
Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF (FLMB) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FLMB returned -4.08% while MFLX returned -3.10%. Year to date, FLMB is down 5.00% versus a loss of 3.59% for MFLX.
Over three years, FLMB compounded at +3.04% per year against +4.01% for MFLX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.68% and -1.43% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FLMB has the edge at +0.58% annualized vs +0.29%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.7% compared with 6.9% for FLMB. 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 -17.9% for FLMB and -26.9% 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLMB charges 0.30% per year while MFLX charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $75 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLMB currently yields 4.14% against 4.25% for MFLX.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 22 holdings in FLMB and 36 in MFLX, totalling 40.5% and 43.9% 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 22 positions we hold weights for in FLMB and 36 in MFLX, against full books of 77 and 160.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FLMB 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, FLMB or MFLX?
FLMB has an expense ratio of 0.30% while MFLX charges 0.75%. FLMB is the cheaper option, by $45 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLMB or MFLX?
Over the past year FLMB returned -4.08% vs -3.10% for MFLX, so MFLX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMB annualized +0.58% vs +0.29% for MFLX. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLMB or MFLX?
MFLX has been the more volatile fund at 8.7% annualized versus 6.9% for FLMB. Worst drawdown: FLMB -17.9% vs MFLX -26.9%.
Should I hold both FLMB and MFLX?
FLMB and MFLX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, 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, FLMB or MFLX?
FLMB yields 4.14% while MFLX yields 4.25%, so MFLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MFLX better than FLMB?
FLMB has a lower expense ratio. FLMB led over 5Y and the full window, MFLX over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.