FTOH vs. MFLX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FTOH (Franklin Ohio Municipal Income ETF) and MFLX (First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. FTOH is passively managed, while MFLX is actively managed. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTOH charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for MFLX.

Performance

FTOH vs. MFLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Ohio Municipal Income ETF (FTOH) and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTOH achieves a 2.25% return, which is significantly lower than MFLX's 3.39% return.

FTOH

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 1.06%
• YTD: 2.25%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFLX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 3.39%
• 6M: 3.87%
• 1Y: 9.08%
• 3Y*: 5.59%
• 5Y*: -0.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

FTOH vs. MFLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTOH Franklin Ohio Municipal Income ETF	2.25%	0.20%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	3.39%	0.12%

Correlation

The correlation between FTOH and MFLX is 0.35, 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 Nov 11, 2025	0.35

Return for Risk

FTOH vs. MFLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFLX

MFLX Risk / Return Rank: 71
MFLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
MFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
MFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
MFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
MFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

FTOH vs. MFLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Ohio Municipal Income ETF (FTOH) and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX). 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

	FTOH	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.00	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.22	0.19	+1.03

Drawdowns

FTOH vs. MFLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTOH drawdown since its inception was -2.59%, smaller than the maximum MFLX drawdown of -26.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTOH and MFLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTOH	MFLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.59%	-26.76%	+24.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.11%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-8.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.72%	+3.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.57%	-8.17%	+7.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.77%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTOH	MFLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.41%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.98%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.64%	4.08%	-0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.64%	10.36%	-6.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.64%	11.29%	-7.65%

FTOH vs. MFLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTOH has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MFLX's 0.88% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTOH vs. MFLX - Dividend Comparison

FTOH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%, less than MFLX's 4.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTOH Franklin Ohio Municipal Income ETF	2.18%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	4.07%	4.06%	3.81%	3.65%	4.27%	3.69%	3.21%	2.94%	3.74%	3.80%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTOH and MFLX in my portfolio?

FTOH and MFLX have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTOH or MFLX?

On fees, FTOH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTOH or MFLX?

FTOH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for MFLX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTOH or MFLX?

MFLX has the higher dividend yield at 4.07%, compared with 2.18% for FTOH.

What is the main difference between FTOH and MFLX?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for FTOH and 0.88% for MFLX.