KTF vs MFLX
DWS Municipal Income Trust vs First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF
Which is better, KTF or MFLX?
Each has led over a different period.
KTF led over 3Y, MFLX over 1Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KTF | MFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.93% |
| AUM | $321M | $20M |
| Dividend Yield | 9.36% | 4.51% |
| Holdings | 232 | 160 |
| YTD Return | -6.11% | -3.07%Best |
| 1Y Return | -5.53% | -2.70%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.12%Best | +4.24% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.77% | -1.53%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 8.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -41.4% | -26.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,146 | $9,258Best |
| Fund Family | DWS | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Tax Preferred |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Municipal Bond |
| Inception | Oct 20, 1988 | Sep 27, 2016 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 29, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (10 years).
KTF vs MFLX growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10 years both funds cover.
KTF vs MFLX Performance
DWS Municipal Income Trust (KTF) is an ETF from DWS and First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year KTF returned -5.53% while MFLX returned -2.70%. Year to date, KTF is down 6.11% versus a loss of 3.07% for MFLX.
Over three years, KTF compounded at +9.12% per year against +4.24% for MFLX; over five years the annualized figures are -1.77% and -1.53% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, MFLX has the edge at -0.15% annualized vs -2.34%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KTF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.2% compared with 8.6% for MFLX. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -41.4% for KTF and -26.9% for MFLX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 105 holdings in KTF and 1 in MFLX, totalling 40.7% and 0.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 63 days apart, KTF as of Jul 31, 2026 and MFLX as of Oct 2, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 105 positions we hold weights for in KTF and 1 in MFLX, against full books of 232 and 160.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of KTF and MFLX you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, KTF or MFLX?
Over the past year KTF returned -5.53% vs -2.70% for MFLX, so MFLX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), KTF annualized -2.34% vs -0.15% for MFLX. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, KTF or MFLX?
KTF has been the more volatile fund at 12.2% annualized versus 8.6% for MFLX. Worst drawdown: KTF -41.4% vs MFLX -26.9%.
Should I hold both KTF and MFLX?
KTF and MFLX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, KTF or MFLX?
KTF yields 9.36% while MFLX yields 4.51%, so KTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MFLX better than KTF?
KTF led over 3Y, MFLX over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.