JMUB vs. MFLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

JMUB (JPMorgan Municipal ETF) and MFLX (First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, JMUB returned 1.30%/yr vs -0.12%/yr for MFLX. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JMUB charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for MFLX.

Performance

JMUB vs. MFLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Municipal ETF (JMUB) 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, JMUB achieves a 1.63% return, which is significantly lower than MFLX's 3.93% return.

JMUB

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 1.42%
• YTD: 1.63%
• 6M: 1.78%
• 1Y: 5.83%
• 3Y*: 3.74%
• 5Y*: 1.30%
• 10Y*: —

MFLX

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 3.93%
• 6M: 4.06%
• 1Y: 9.22%
• 3Y*: 5.58%
• 5Y*: -0.12%
• 10Y*: —

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

JMUB vs. MFLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JMUB JPMorgan Municipal ETF	1.63%	4.34%	1.88%	5.96%	-7.43%	1.58%	4.98%	8.37%	2.95%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	3.93%	3.94%	3.74%	8.98%	-19.94%	8.43%	7.19%	16.89%	1.69%

Correlation

The correlation between JMUB and MFLX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2018	0.33

Over the past year, JMUB and MFLX have become more correlated (0.62) than their long-term average of 0.33, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

JMUB vs. MFLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JMUB

JMUB Risk / Return Rank: 73
JMUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
JMUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
JMUB Omega Ratio Rank: 91
JMUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
JMUB Martin Ratio Rank: 51

MFLX

MFLX Risk / Return Rank: 77
MFLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
MFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
MFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
MFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

JMUB vs. MFLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Municipal ETF (JMUB) 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.

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.

	JMUB	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	2.28	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.51	3.49	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.50	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	2.97	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.87	11.98	-4.11

JMUB vs. MFLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JMUB Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is comparable to the MFLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JMUB and MFLX, 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

JMUB vs. MFLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JMUB drawdown since its inception was -12.50%, smaller than the maximum MFLX drawdown of -26.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JMUB and MFLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JMUB	MFLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.50%	-26.76%	+14.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.55%	-3.11%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.79%	-8.18%	+3.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.06%	-25.88%	+13.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-3.22%	+2.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.49%	-8.14%	+5.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.74%	0.77%	-0.03%

Volatility

JMUB vs. MFLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Municipal ETF (JMUB) is 0.70%, while First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) has a volatility of 0.99%. This indicates that JMUB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MFLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JMUB	MFLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.70%	0.99%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.87%	3.02%	-1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39%	4.07%	-1.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.33%	10.35%	-7.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.13%	11.26%	-7.13%

JMUB vs. MFLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JMUB has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than MFLX's 0.88% expense ratio.

Dividends

JMUB vs. MFLX - Dividend Comparison

JMUB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.59%, less than MFLX's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
JMUB JPMorgan Municipal ETF	3.59%	3.52%	3.50%	3.20%	2.16%	1.94%	2.13%	3.66%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	4.05%	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 JMUB and MFLX in my portfolio?

JMUB and MFLX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JMUB or MFLX?

MFLX has higher volatility (0.99%) compared to JMUB (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JMUB dropped -12.50% vs MFLX's -26.76%.

Which ETF is better, JMUB or MFLX?

On 5-year performance, JMUB leads with 1.30% vs -0.12% for MFLX. On fees, JMUB is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, JMUB has been the lower-risk option at 0.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JMUB or MFLX?

Over the 5-year period, JMUB has performed better with a 1.30% return vs -0.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JMUB or MFLX?

JMUB is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for MFLX.

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

MFLX has the higher dividend yield at 4.05%, compared with 3.59% for JMUB.

What is the main difference between JMUB and MFLX?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for JMUB and 0.88% for MFLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JMUB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.28), 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.