FLMB vs VTI
Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLMB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $75M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.61% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.90% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.47% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.94% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.25% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
FLMB vs VTI Performance
Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF (FLMB) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLMB returned +6.47% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, FLMB is up 0.90% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, FLMB compounded at +3.94% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.25% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.7% 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 -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLMB charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLMB currently yields 3.61% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FLMB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2814 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLMB or VTI?
FLMB has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLMB or VTI?
Over the past year FLMB returned +6.47% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMB annualized +1.28% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLMB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.7% for FLMB. Worst drawdown: FLMB -17.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FLMB and VTI?
FLMB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLMB and VTI?
FLMB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2814 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLMB or VTI?
FLMB yields 3.61% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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