BKMS vs. MFLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

BKMS (BNY Mellon Municipal Short Duration ETF) and MFLX (First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BKMS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for MFLX.

Performance

BKMS vs. MFLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Municipal Short Duration ETF (BKMS) and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BKMS

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFLX

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 2.38%
• YTD: 4.35%
• 6M: 4.51%
• 1Y: 9.80%
• 3Y*: 5.72%
• 5Y*: -0.04%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BKMS vs. MFLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BKMS BNY Mellon Municipal Short Duration ETF	0.79%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	3.68%

Correlation

The correlation between BKMS and MFLX is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2026	0.43

Return for Risk

BKMS vs. MFLX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BKMS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

MFLX

MFLX Risk / Return Rank: 83
MFLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
MFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
MFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
MFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
MFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BKMS vs. MFLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon Municipal Short Duration ETF (BKMS) and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BKMS	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.42	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.70	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.53	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.16	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	12.72	—

Drawdowns

BKMS vs. MFLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKMS drawdown since its inception was -0.87%, smaller than the maximum MFLX drawdown of -26.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKMS and MFLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKMS	MFLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-26.76%	+25.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.11%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-8.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.83%	+2.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.26%	-8.14%	+7.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.77%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BKMS	MFLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.04%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.04%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22%	4.07%	-2.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.22%	10.35%	-9.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.22%	11.26%	-10.04%

BKMS vs. MFLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKMS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MFLX's 0.88% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKMS vs. MFLX - Dividend Comparison

BKMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.11%, less than MFLX's 4.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BKMS BNY Mellon Municipal Short Duration ETF	1.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	4.04%	4.06%	3.81%	3.65%	4.27%	3.69%	3.21%	2.94%	3.74%	3.80%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKMS and MFLX in my portfolio?

BKMS and MFLX have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BKMS or MFLX?

On fees, BKMS is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKMS or MFLX?

BKMS is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for MFLX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKMS or MFLX?

MFLX has the higher dividend yield at 4.04%, compared with 1.11% for BKMS.

What is the main difference between BKMS and MFLX?

They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BKMS and 0.88% for MFLX.