FLMB vs. FLCH

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FLMB (Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF) and FLCH (Franklin FTSE China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLMB is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FLCH is a China Equities fund tracking the FTSE China RIC Capped Index. FLMB is actively managed, while FLCH is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLMB returned 0.47%/yr vs -4.90%/yr for FLCH. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLMB charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for FLCH.

Performance

FLMB vs. FLCH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF (FLMB) and Franklin FTSE China ETF (FLCH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLMB achieves a 2.21% return, which is significantly higher than FLCH's -10.43% return.

FLMB

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.32%
• 6M: 1.78%
• YTD: 2.21%
• 1Y: 8.40%
• 3Y*: 4.05%
• 5Y*: 0.47%
• 10Y*: —

FLCH

• 1D: 1.38%
• 1M: -2.35%
• 6M: -15.07%
• YTD: -10.43%
• 1Y: -1.41%
• 3Y*: 7.85%
• 5Y*: -4.90%
• 10Y*: —

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

FLMB vs. FLCH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLMB Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF	2.21%	3.93%	2.47%	7.72%	-12.16%	0.80%	7.39%	8.90%	0.43%	0.73%
FLCH Franklin FTSE China ETF	-10.43%	32.55%	18.00%	-11.21%	-22.74%	-20.87%	30.09%	24.32%	-19.52%	1.51%

Correlation

The correlation between FLMB and FLCH is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.02

Return for Risk

FLMB vs. FLCH — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLMB

FLMB Risk / Return Rank: 82
FLMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FLMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FLMB Omega Ratio Rank: 93
FLMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
FLMB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

FLCH

FLCH Risk / Return Rank: 8
FLCH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FLCH Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FLCH Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FLCH Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FLCH Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

FLMB vs. FLCH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF (FLMB) and Franklin FTSE China ETF (FLCH). 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.

	FLMB	FLCH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	-0.07	+2.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.65	0.04	+3.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.00	+0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	-0.07	+2.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.69	-0.15	+9.84

FLMB vs. FLCH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLMB Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is higher than the FLCH Sharpe Ratio of -0.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLMB and FLCH, 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

FLMB vs. FLCH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLMB drawdown since its inception was -17.90%, smaller than the maximum FLCH drawdown of -62.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLMB and FLCH.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLMB	FLCH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.90%	-62.09%	+44.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.25%	-21.48%	+18.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.33%	-25.43%	+18.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.90%	-52.77%	+34.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-36.86%	+36.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.12%	-30.60%	+26.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	9.53%	-8.65%

Volatility

FLMB vs. FLCH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF (FLMB) is 0.56%, while Franklin FTSE China ETF (FLCH) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that FLMB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLCH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLMB	FLCH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.56%	5.66%	-5.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.48%	13.95%	-11.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.48%	19.60%	-16.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.10%	29.58%	-24.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.54%	27.81%	-22.27%

FLMB vs. FLCH - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLMB has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than FLCH's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLMB vs. FLCH - Dividend Comparison

FLMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.03%, more than FLCH's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLCH Franklin FTSE China ETF	2.42%	2.36%	2.87%	3.47%	2.69%	1.48%	0.91%	1.98%	1.92%	0.01%
FLMB Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF	4.03%	3.86%	3.79%	3.49%	2.80%	1.66%	2.07%	2.40%	2.68%	0.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLMB and FLCH in my portfolio?

FLMB and FLCH have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLMB or FLCH?

FLCH has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to FLMB (0.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLMB dropped -17.90% vs FLCH's -62.09%.

Which ETF is better, FLMB or FLCH?

On 5-year performance, FLMB leads with 0.47% vs -4.90% for FLCH. On fees, FLCH is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, FLMB has been the lower-risk option at 0.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLMB or FLCH?

Over the 5-year period, FLMB has performed better with a 0.47% return vs -4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLMB or FLCH?

FLCH is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for FLMB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLMB or FLCH?

FLMB has the higher dividend yield at 4.03%, compared with 2.42% for FLCH.

What is the main difference between FLMB and FLCH?

FLMB is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while FLCH is China Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for FLMB and 0.19% for FLCH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLMB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs -0.07), 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.