MUNB vs. MFLX

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

MUNB (Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF) and MFLX (First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MUNB charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for MFLX.

Performance

MUNB vs. MFLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB) 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, MUNB achieves a 0.68% return, which is significantly lower than MFLX's 3.15% return.

MUNB

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.68%
• 6M: 0.95%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFLX

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 3.15%
• 6M: 3.63%
• 1Y: 9.10%
• 3Y*: 5.61%
• 5Y*: -0.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

MUNB vs. MFLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MUNB Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF	0.68%	1.91%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	3.15%	5.38%

Correlation

The correlation between MUNB and MFLX is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2025	0.60

Return for Risk

MUNB 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: 70
MFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
MFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
MFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
MFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

MUNB vs. MFLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB) 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

	MUNB	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.14	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.01	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.71	0.19	+1.52

Drawdowns

MUNB vs. MFLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUNB drawdown since its inception was -2.49%, smaller than the maximum MFLX drawdown of -26.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUNB and MFLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUNB	MFLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.49%	-26.76%	+24.27%
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	-1.13%	-3.95%	+2.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.58%	-8.17%	+7.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.77%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MUNB	MFLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.99%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93%	4.09%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.93%	10.35%	-8.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.93%	11.29%	-9.36%

MUNB vs. MFLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MUNB vs. MFLX - Dividend Comparison

MUNB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.80%, less than MFLX's 4.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	4.08%	4.06%	3.81%	3.65%	4.27%	3.69%	3.21%	2.94%	3.74%	3.80%	0.98%
MUNB Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF	1.80%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUNB and MFLX in my portfolio?

MUNB and MFLX have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MUNB or MFLX?

On fees, MUNB 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, MUNB or MFLX?

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

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

MFLX has the higher dividend yield at 4.08%, compared with 1.80% for MUNB.

What is the main difference between MUNB and MFLX?

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