FTPA vs. MEAR

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

FTPA (Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF) and MEAR (iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTPA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for MEAR.

Performance

FTPA vs. MEAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF (FTPA) and iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTPA achieves a 3.05% return, which is significantly higher than MEAR's 1.26% return.

FTPA

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 3.05%
• 6M: 3.23%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEAR

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.32%
• 1Y: 3.14%
• 3Y*: 3.54%
• 5Y*: 2.47%
• 10Y*: 1.78%

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

FTPA vs. MEAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTPA Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF	3.05%	0.01%
MEAR iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF	1.26%	0.48%

Correlation

The correlation between FTPA and MEAR is 0.27, 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 10, 2025	0.27

Return for Risk

FTPA vs. MEAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTPA

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

MEAR

MEAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
MEAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
MEAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
MEAR Omega Ratio Rank: 97
MEAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
MEAR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FTPA vs. MEAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF (FTPA) and iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR). 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.

	FTPA	MEAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.68	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	5.89	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.85	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.76	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	27.67	—

Drawdowns

FTPA vs. MEAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTPA drawdown since its inception was -2.96%, which is greater than MEAR's maximum drawdown of -2.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTPA and MEAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTPA	MEAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.96%	-2.68%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.47%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.86%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-1.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-2.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-0.19%	-0.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.11%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTPA	MEAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.18%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.61%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.95%	0.86%	+3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.95%	0.99%	+2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.95%	1.51%	+2.44%

FTPA vs. MEAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTPA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than MEAR's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTPA vs. MEAR - Dividend Comparison

FTPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, less than MEAR's 2.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTPA Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF	2.06%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MEAR iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF	2.83%	2.95%	3.44%	3.30%	0.88%	0.30%	0.90%	1.57%	1.36%	1.01%	0.81%	0.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTPA and MEAR in my portfolio?

FTPA and MEAR have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTPA or MEAR?

On fees, MEAR is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTPA or MEAR?

MEAR is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for FTPA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTPA or MEAR?

MEAR has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 2.06% for FTPA.

What is the main difference between FTPA and MEAR?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for FTPA and 0.25% for MEAR.