FLMI vs. AUSM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FLMI (Franklin Liberty Federal Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Opportunities ETF) and AUSM (Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FLMI returned 7.72% vs 2.89% for AUSM. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLMI charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AUSM.

Performance

FLMI vs. AUSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Liberty Federal Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Opportunities ETF (FLMI) and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLMI achieves a 2.50% return, which is significantly higher than AUSM's 1.34% return.

FLMI

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.22%
• 6M: 1.88%
• YTD: 2.50%
• 1Y: 7.72%
• 3Y*: 5.71%
• 5Y*: 1.99%
• 10Y*: —

AUSM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.22%
• 6M: 1.16%
• YTD: 1.34%
• 1Y: 2.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLMI vs. AUSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FLMI Franklin Liberty Federal Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Opportunities ETF	2.50%	4.92%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	1.34%	1.58%

Correlation

The correlation between FLMI and AUSM is 0.14, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.14
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.12

Return for Risk

FLMI vs. AUSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLMI

FLMI Risk / Return Rank: 84
FLMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FLMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
FLMI Omega Ratio Rank: 95
FLMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FLMI Martin Ratio Rank: 69

AUSM

AUSM Risk / Return Rank: 97
AUSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
AUSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
AUSM Omega Ratio Rank: 98
AUSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
AUSM Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

FLMI vs. AUSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Liberty Federal Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Opportunities ETF (FLMI) and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM). 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.

	FLMI	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	3.96	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.97	6.86	-2.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	2.26	-0.66
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	6.94	-4.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.89	20.54	-10.66

FLMI vs. AUSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is lower than the AUSM Sharpe Ratio of 3.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLMI and AUSM, 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

FLMI vs. AUSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLMI drawdown since its inception was -14.66%, which is greater than AUSM's maximum drawdown of -0.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLMI and AUSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLMI	AUSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.66%	-0.42%	-14.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-0.42%	-2.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-0.00%	-0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.79%	-0.08%	-2.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.79%	0.14%	+0.65%

Volatility

FLMI vs. AUSM - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Liberty Federal Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Opportunities ETF (FLMI) has a higher volatility of 0.59% compared to Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM) at 0.12%. This indicates that FLMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AUSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLMI	AUSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.59%	0.12%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.10%	0.45%	+1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.93%	0.73%	+2.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.43%	0.73%	+3.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.70%	0.73%	+3.97%

FLMI vs. AUSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLMI has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than AUSM's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLMI vs. AUSM - Dividend Comparison

FLMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.91%, more than AUSM's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	2.61%	1.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FLMI Franklin Liberty Federal Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Opportunities ETF	3.91%	3.89%	4.08%	3.71%	3.08%	2.22%	2.09%	2.71%	2.41%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLMI and AUSM in my portfolio?

FLMI and AUSM have a correlation of 0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLMI or AUSM?

FLMI has higher volatility (0.59%) compared to AUSM (0.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLMI dropped -14.66% vs AUSM's -0.42%.

Which ETF is better, FLMI or AUSM?

On 1-year performance, FLMI leads with 7.72% vs 2.89% for AUSM. On fees, AUSM is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, AUSM has been the lower-risk option at 0.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLMI or AUSM?

Over the 1-year period, FLMI has performed better with a 7.72% return vs 2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLMI or AUSM?

AUSM is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for FLMI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLMI or AUSM?

FLMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.91%, compared with 2.61% for AUSM.

What is the main difference between FLMI and AUSM?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for FLMI and 0.18% for AUSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AUSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.96 vs 2.65), 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.