FSMB vs. VTES

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FSMB (First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF) and VTES (Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares) are both Municipal Bonds funds. FSMB is actively managed, while VTES is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FSMB returned 3.56%/yr vs 3.23%/yr for VTES. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSMB charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VTES.

Performance

FSMB vs. VTES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF (FSMB) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMB achieves a 1.15% return, which is significantly higher than VTES's 0.66% return.

FSMB

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 1.15%
• 6M: 1.51%
• 1Y: 4.18%
• 3Y*: 3.56%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: —

VTES

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 3.63%
• 3Y*: 3.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSMB vs. VTES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FSMB First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF	1.15%	4.22%	2.35%	3.33%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	0.66%	4.19%	1.85%	3.32%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMB and VTES is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2023	0.59

The correlation between FSMB and VTES has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSMB vs. VTES — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSMB

FSMB Risk / Return Rank: 80
FSMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FSMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FSMB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FSMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FSMB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VTES

VTES Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VTES Omega Ratio Rank: 94
VTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VTES Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

FSMB vs. VTES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF (FSMB) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES). 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.

	FSMB	VTES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	2.94	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.48	4.26	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.70	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	2.48	+0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.17	7.36	+3.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSMB vs. VTES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSMB Sharpe Ratio is 2.99, which is comparable to the VTES Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSMB and VTES, 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

	FSMB	VTES	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99	2.94	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	1.81	-1.06

Drawdowns

FSMB vs. VTES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMB drawdown since its inception was -6.32%, which is greater than VTES's maximum drawdown of -2.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMB and VTES.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMB	VTES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.32%	-2.42%	-3.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.29%	-1.47%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.76%	-1.80%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.25%	-0.62%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-0.50%	-0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.37%	0.49%	-0.12%

Volatility

FSMB vs. VTES - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF (FSMB) has a higher volatility of 0.42% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES) at 0.35%. This indicates that FSMB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSMB	VTES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.42%	0.35%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.02%	0.97%	+0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40%	1.24%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.96%	1.72%	+0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.92%	1.72%	+1.20%

FSMB vs. VTES - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMB has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VTES's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSMB vs. VTES - Dividend Comparison

FSMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.14%, more than VTES's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FSMB First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF	3.14%	3.09%	2.88%	2.40%	1.47%	1.20%	1.79%	2.27%	0.19%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	2.75%	2.77%	2.99%	2.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMB and VTES in my portfolio?

FSMB and VTES have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSMB or VTES?

FSMB has higher volatility (0.42%) compared to VTES (0.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSMB dropped -6.32% vs VTES's -2.42%.

Which ETF is better, FSMB or VTES?

On 3-year performance, FSMB leads with 3.56% vs 3.23% for VTES. On fees, VTES is cheaper at 0.07% 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, FSMB or VTES?

Over the 3-year period, FSMB has performed better with a 3.56% return vs 3.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSMB or VTES?

VTES is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FSMB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSMB or VTES?

FSMB has the higher dividend yield at 3.14%, compared with 2.75% for VTES.

What is the main difference between FSMB and VTES?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSMB and 0.07% for VTES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSMB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 2.94), 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.