FLMI vs VTI
Franklin Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FLMI or VTI?
Municipal Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI 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 | FLMI | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $2.4B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 1,342 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -1.80% | +11.65%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.52% | +17.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.60% | +20.35%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.13% | +11.72%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5%Best | 16.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,578 | $17,404Best |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
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 10, 2026 (9 years).
FLMI vs VTI 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.
FLMI vs VTI Performance
Franklin Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF (FLMI) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLMI returned +0.52% while VTI returned +17.34%. Year to date, FLMI is down 1.80% versus a gain of 11.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FLMI compounded at +4.60% per year against +20.35% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.13% and +11.72% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.74% annualized vs +1.62%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 5.5% for FLMI. 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 -14.7% for FLMI and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.53. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLMI 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, FLMI currently yields 4.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FLMI and VTI 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, FLMI or VTI?
FLMI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $27 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLMI or VTI?
Over the past year FLMI returned +0.52% vs +17.34% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMI annualized +1.62% vs +13.74% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLMI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 5.5% for FLMI. Worst drawdown: FLMI -14.7% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both FLMI and VTI?
FLMI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, 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, FLMI or VTI?
FLMI yields 4.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so FLMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FLMI?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI 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.