FTMS vs. AUSM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FTMS (Franklin Short-Term Municipal Income ETF) and AUSM (Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTMS charges 0.21%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AUSM.

Performance

FTMS vs. AUSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Short-Term Municipal Income ETF (FTMS) 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, FTMS achieves a 1.41% return, which is significantly higher than AUSM's 1.02% return.

FTMS

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.54%
• YTD: 1.41%
• 6M: 1.62%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AUSM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 1.02%
• 6M: 1.36%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTMS vs. AUSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTMS Franklin Short-Term Municipal Income ETF	1.41%	0.37%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	1.02%	0.55%

Correlation

The correlation between FTMS and AUSM is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2025	0.17

Return for Risk

FTMS vs. AUSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Short-Term Municipal Income ETF (FTMS) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTMS	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.69	4.02	-2.33

Drawdowns

FTMS vs. AUSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTMS drawdown since its inception was -1.24%, which is greater than AUSM's maximum drawdown of -0.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTMS and AUSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTMS	AUSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.24%	-0.42%	-0.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.01%	0.00%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.30%	-0.09%	-0.21%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTMS	AUSM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77%	0.73%	+1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.77%	0.73%	+1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.77%	0.73%	+1.04%

FTMS vs. AUSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTMS has a 0.21% expense ratio, which is higher than AUSM's 0.18% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FTMS vs. AUSM - Dividend Comparison

FTMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.97%, less than AUSM's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	2.39%	1.26%
FTMS Franklin Short-Term Municipal Income ETF	1.97%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTMS and AUSM in my portfolio?

FTMS and AUSM have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTMS or AUSM?

On fees, AUSM is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTMS or AUSM?

AUSM is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.21% for FTMS.

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

AUSM has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 1.97% for FTMS.

What is the main difference between FTMS and AUSM?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.21% for FTMS and 0.18% for AUSM.