NMB vs. MFLX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NMB (Simplify National Muni Bond ETF) and MFLX (First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NMB returned 5.78% vs 9.22% for MFLX. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NMB charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.88%/yr for MFLX.

Performance

NMB vs. MFLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify National Muni Bond ETF (NMB) 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, NMB achieves a 1.19% return, which is significantly lower than MFLX's 3.33% return.

NMB

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 1.19%
• 6M: 0.91%
• 1Y: 5.78%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFLX

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 3.33%
• 6M: 3.84%
• 1Y: 9.22%
• 3Y*: 5.48%
• 5Y*: -0.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

NMB vs. MFLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NMB Simplify National Muni Bond ETF	1.19%	7.97%	-1.90%
MFLX First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF	3.33%	3.94%	-1.27%

Correlation

The correlation between NMB and MFLX is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2024	0.41

NMB vs. MFLX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NMB	MFLX
Financial Services	5.7%	15.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

NMB vs. MFLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NMB

NMB Risk / Return Rank: 21
NMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
NMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
NMB Omega Ratio Rank: 22
NMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
NMB Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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: 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.

NMB vs. MFLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify National Muni Bond ETF (NMB) 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.

	NMB	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.72	2.27	-1.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.09	3.47	-2.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.49	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	2.97	-2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.96	11.95	-9.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NMB vs. MFLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NMB Sharpe Ratio is 0.72, which is lower than the MFLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NMB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NMB	MFLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72	2.27	-1.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.00	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.19	+0.13

Drawdowns

NMB vs. MFLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NMB drawdown since its inception was -13.68%, smaller than the maximum MFLX drawdown of -26.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NMB and MFLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NMB	MFLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.68%	-26.76%	+13.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.99%	-3.11%	-2.88%
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	-1.60%	-3.78%	+2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.36%	-8.17%	+4.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	0.77%	+2.19%

Volatility

NMB vs. MFLX - Volatility Comparison

Simplify National Muni Bond ETF (NMB) has a higher volatility of 1.74% compared to First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) at 1.41%. This indicates that NMB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MFLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NMB	MFLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.74%	1.41%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.42%	2.98%	+1.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.13%	4.08%	+4.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.70%	10.36%	+2.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.70%	11.29%	+1.41%

NMB vs. MFLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NMB has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is lower than MFLX's 0.88% expense ratio.

Dividends

NMB vs. MFLX - Dividend Comparison

NMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.87%, more 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%
NMB Simplify National Muni Bond ETF	5.87%	4.48%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NMB and MFLX in my portfolio?

NMB and MFLX have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NMB or MFLX?

NMB has higher volatility (1.74%) compared to MFLX (1.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NMB dropped -13.68% vs MFLX's -26.76%.

Which ETF is better, NMB or MFLX?

On 1-year performance, MFLX leads with 9.22% vs 5.78% for NMB. On fees, NMB is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, MFLX has been the lower-risk option at 1.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NMB or MFLX?

Over the 1-year period, MFLX has performed better with a 9.22% return vs 5.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NMB or MFLX?

NMB is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for MFLX.

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

NMB has the higher dividend yield at 5.87%, compared with 4.08% for MFLX.

What is the main difference between NMB and MFLX?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for NMB and 0.88% for MFLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 0.72), 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.