FLMB vs VXUS
Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FLMB or VXUS?
Municipal Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | FLMB | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $70M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 80 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -2.28% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.46% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.26% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.35% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7%Best | 15.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,826 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 5, 2017 to Sep 18, 2026 (9 years).
FLMB vs VXUS 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 years both funds cover.
FLMB vs VXUS Performance
Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF (FLMB) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLMB returned -0.46% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, FLMB is down 2.28% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLMB compounded at +3.26% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.35% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +7.29% annualized vs +0.90%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLMB charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLMB currently yields 4.14% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 22 holdings in FLMB and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 41.4% and 88.8% 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 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 80 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FLMB and VXUS 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 VXUS?
FLMB has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $25 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLMB or VXUS?
Over the past year FLMB returned -0.46% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMB annualized +0.90% vs +7.29% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLMB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 6.7% for FLMB. Worst drawdown: FLMB -17.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLMB and VXUS?
FLMB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, 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 VXUS?
FLMB yields 4.14% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so FLMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FLMB?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.