FLMB vs. SCMB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLMB (Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF) and SCMB (Schwab Municipal Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. FLMB is actively managed, while SCMB is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLMB returned 4.38%/yr vs 3.37%/yr for SCMB. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLMB charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCMB.

Performance

FLMB vs. SCMB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLMB achieves a 1.89% return, which is significantly higher than SCMB's 1.07% return.

FLMB

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: 1.89%
• 6M: 2.27%
• 1Y: 8.74%
• 3Y*: 4.38%
• 5Y*: 0.64%
• 10Y*: —

SCMB

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 1.07%
• 6M: 1.55%
• 1Y: 6.86%
• 3Y*: 3.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLMB vs. SCMB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLMB Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF	1.89%	3.93%	2.47%	7.72%	3.23%
SCMB Schwab Municipal Bond ETF	1.07%	3.78%	0.91%	5.86%	3.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FLMB and SCMB is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2022	0.78

The correlation between FLMB and SCMB shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FLMB vs. SCMB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLMB

FLMB Risk / Return Rank: 70
FLMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
FLMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FLMB Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FLMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
FLMB Martin Ratio Rank: 56

SCMB

SCMB Risk / Return Rank: 64
SCMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
SCMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SCMB Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SCMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SCMB Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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. SCMB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FLMB	SCMB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	2.34	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.61	3.45	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.50	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	2.36	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.56	7.89	+1.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLMB vs. SCMB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLMB Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is comparable to the SCMB Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLMB and SCMB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FLMB	SCMB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37	2.34	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.97	-0.56

Drawdowns

FLMB vs. SCMB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLMB drawdown since its inception was -17.90%, which is greater than SCMB's maximum drawdown of -6.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLMB and SCMB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLMB	SCMB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.90%	-6.13%	-11.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.25%	-2.92%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.33%	-5.57%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.46%	-0.87%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.17%	-1.32%	-2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.87%	+0.05%

Volatility

FLMB vs. SCMB - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF (FLMB) has a higher volatility of 1.11% compared to Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB) at 1.04%. This indicates that FLMB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCMB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLMB	SCMB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.11%	1.04%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.46%	2.17%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70%	2.94%	+0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.11%	4.16%	+0.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.58%	4.16%	+1.42%

FLMB vs. SCMB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLMB has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SCMB's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLMB vs. SCMB - Dividend Comparison

FLMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.75%, more than SCMB's 3.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLMB Franklin Liberty Federal Tax-Free Bond ETF	3.75%	3.86%	3.79%	3.49%	2.80%	1.66%	2.07%	2.40%	2.68%	0.54%
SCMB Schwab Municipal Bond ETF	3.54%	3.36%	3.34%	3.10%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLMB and SCMB in my portfolio?

FLMB and SCMB have a correlation of 0.67, 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 SCMB?

FLMB has higher volatility (1.11%) compared to SCMB (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLMB dropped -17.90% vs SCMB's -6.13%.

Which ETF is better, FLMB or SCMB?

On 3-year performance, FLMB leads with 4.38% vs 3.37% for SCMB. On fees, SCMB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLMB or SCMB?

Over the 3-year period, FLMB has performed better with a 4.38% return vs 3.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLMB or SCMB?

SCMB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for FLMB.

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

FLMB has the higher dividend yield at 3.75%, compared with 3.54% for SCMB.

What is the main difference between FLMB and SCMB?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for FLMB and 0.03% for SCMB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLMB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.34), 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.