MMCA vs. MFLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MMCA (IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF) and MFLX (First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, MMCA returned 4.13%/yr vs 5.72%/yr for MFLX. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MMCA charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for MFLX.

Performance

MMCA vs. MFLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF (MMCA) 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, MMCA achieves a 1.27% return, which is significantly lower than MFLX's 4.35% return.

MMCA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 1.27%
• 6M: 1.42%
• 1Y: 6.17%
• 3Y*: 4.13%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFLX

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 2.38%
• YTD: 4.35%
• 6M: 4.51%
• 1Y: 9.80%
• 3Y*: 5.72%
• 5Y*: -0.04%
• 10Y*: —

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

MMCA vs. MFLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MMCA IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF	1.27%	5.74%	1.70%	5.77%	-12.15%	-0.13%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	4.35%	3.94%	3.74%	8.98%	-19.94%	1.14%

Correlation

The correlation between MMCA and MFLX is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2021	0.40

The correlation between MMCA and MFLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (3 years) to 0.54 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MMCA vs. MFLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMCA

MMCA Risk / Return Rank: 71
MMCA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
MMCA Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
MMCA Omega Ratio Rank: 91
MMCA Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
MMCA Martin Ratio Rank: 43

MFLX

MFLX Risk / Return Rank: 83
MFLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
MFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
MFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
MFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
MFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

MMCA vs. MFLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF (MMCA) 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.

	MMCA	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	2.42	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.59	3.70	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.53	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	3.16	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.26	12.72	-6.46

MMCA vs. MFLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMCA Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is comparable to the MFLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMCA 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

MMCA vs. MFLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMCA drawdown since its inception was -16.04%, smaller than the maximum MFLX drawdown of -26.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMCA and MFLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMCA	MFLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.04%	-26.76%	+10.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.01%	-3.11%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.68%	-8.18%	+4.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-2.83%	+1.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.03%	-8.14%	+1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.99%	0.77%	+0.22%

Volatility

MMCA vs. MFLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF (MMCA) is 0.71%, while First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) has a volatility of 1.04%. This indicates that MMCA 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

	MMCA	MFLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.71%	1.04%	-0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.92%	3.04%	-1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55%	4.07%	-1.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.59%	10.35%	-6.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.59%	11.26%	-7.67%

MMCA vs. MFLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMCA has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than MFLX's 0.88% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMCA vs. MFLX - Dividend Comparison

MMCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.27%, less than MFLX's 4.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	4.04%	4.06%	3.81%	3.65%	4.27%	3.69%	3.21%	2.94%	3.74%	3.80%	0.98%
MMCA IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF	3.27%	3.39%	3.66%	3.57%	2.90%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMCA and MFLX in my portfolio?

MMCA and MFLX have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MMCA or MFLX?

MFLX has higher volatility (1.04%) compared to MMCA (0.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMCA dropped -16.04% vs MFLX's -26.76%.

Which ETF is better, MMCA or MFLX?

On 3-year performance, MFLX leads with 5.72% vs 4.13% for MMCA. On fees, MMCA is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, MMCA has been the lower-risk option at 0.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MMCA or MFLX?

Over the 3-year period, MFLX has performed better with a 5.72% return vs 4.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MMCA or MFLX?

MMCA is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for MFLX.

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

MFLX has the higher dividend yield at 4.04%, compared with 3.27% for MMCA.

What is the main difference between MMCA and MFLX?

They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for MMCA and 0.88% for MFLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MMCA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 2.42), 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.