MFLX vs VTI
First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income 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 | MFLX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 80 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.64% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.57% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.20% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.86% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
MFLX vs VTI Performance
First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MFLX returned +7.57% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, MFLX is up 2.64% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, MFLX compounded at +5.20% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.86% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +0.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 8.6% for MFLX. 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 -26.9% for MFLX 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFLX charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFLX currently yields 4.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MFLX and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2832 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MFLX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHD | 1.12% | 0.00% | 1.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFLX or VTI?
MFLX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFLX or VTI?
Over the past year MFLX returned +7.57% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), MFLX annualized +0.43% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFLX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 8.6% for MFLX. Worst drawdown: MFLX -26.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MFLX and VTI?
MFLX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFLX and VTI?
MFLX and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2832 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFLX or VTI?
MFLX yields 4.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MFLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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