BSMY vs. MFLX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BSMY (Invesco BulletShares 2034 Municipal Bond ETF) and MFLX (First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. BSMY is passively managed, while MFLX is actively managed. Over the past year, BSMY returned 7.31% vs 9.22% for MFLX. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BSMY charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for MFLX.

Performance

BSMY vs. MFLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco BulletShares 2034 Municipal Bond ETF (BSMY) and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSMY achieves a 1.57% return, which is significantly lower than MFLX's 3.93% return.

BSMY

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 1.57%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 7.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFLX

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 3.93%
• 6M: 4.06%
• 1Y: 9.22%
• 3Y*: 5.58%
• 5Y*: -0.12%
• 10Y*: —

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

BSMY vs. MFLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BSMY Invesco BulletShares 2034 Municipal Bond ETF	1.57%	3.82%	-1.86%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	3.93%	3.94%	-1.27%

Correlation

The correlation between BSMY and MFLX is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2024	0.52

The correlation between BSMY and MFLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSMY vs. MFLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSMY

BSMY Risk / Return Rank: 66
BSMY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
BSMY Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
BSMY Omega Ratio Rank: 81
BSMY Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
BSMY Martin Ratio Rank: 49

MFLX

MFLX Risk / Return Rank: 77
MFLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
MFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
MFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
MFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

BSMY vs. MFLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco BulletShares 2034 Municipal Bond ETF (BSMY) 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.

	BSMY	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.28	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	3.49	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.50	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	2.97	-0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.56	11.98	-4.42

BSMY vs. MFLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSMY Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the MFLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSMY and MFLX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BSMY vs. MFLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSMY drawdown since its inception was -6.81%, smaller than the maximum MFLX drawdown of -26.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSMY and MFLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSMY	MFLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.81%	-26.76%	+19.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.31%	-3.11%	-0.20%
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	-0.66%	-3.22%	+2.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-8.14%	+6.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	0.77%	+0.20%

Volatility

BSMY vs. MFLX - Volatility Comparison

Invesco BulletShares 2034 Municipal Bond ETF (BSMY) has a higher volatility of 1.14% compared to First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) at 0.99%. This indicates that BSMY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MFLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSMY	MFLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.14%	0.99%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.68%	3.02%	-0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.49%	4.07%	-0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.19%	10.35%	-5.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.19%	11.26%	-6.07%

BSMY vs. MFLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSMY has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than MFLX's 0.88% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSMY vs. MFLX - Dividend Comparison

BSMY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, less than MFLX's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BSMY Invesco BulletShares 2034 Municipal Bond ETF	3.49%	3.31%	0.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	4.05%	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 BSMY and MFLX in my portfolio?

BSMY and MFLX have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BSMY or MFLX?

BSMY has higher volatility (1.14%) compared to MFLX (0.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSMY dropped -6.81% vs MFLX's -26.76%.

Which ETF is better, BSMY or MFLX?

On 1-year performance, MFLX leads with 9.22% vs 7.31% for BSMY. On fees, BSMY is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, MFLX has been the lower-risk option at 0.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSMY or MFLX?

Over the 1-year period, MFLX has performed better with a 9.22% return vs 7.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSMY or MFLX?

BSMY is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for MFLX.

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

MFLX has the higher dividend yield at 4.05%, compared with 3.49% for BSMY.

What is the main difference between BSMY and MFLX?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for BSMY and 0.88% for MFLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.11), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.