MFLX vs TAFM
First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF vs AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF
Which is better, MFLX or TAFM?
Each has led over a different period.
TAFM has a lower expense ratio. MFLX led over the full window, TAFM over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93.
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 | MFLX | TAFM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.93% | 0.28%Best |
| AUM | $20M | $1.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.51% | 3.85% |
| Holdings | 160 | 1,404 |
| YTD Return | -3.07%Best | -3.22% |
| 1Y Return | -2.70% | -2.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.24% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.53% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 4.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -8.8% | -6.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.8 years | $10,745Best | $10,504 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | AllianceBernstein L.P. |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Tax Preferred |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Municipal Bond |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2016 | Dec 13, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 13, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.8 years).
MFLX vs TAFM 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 2.8 years both funds cover.
MFLX vs TAFM Performance
First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF (TAFM) is an ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P.. Over the past year MFLX returned -2.70% while TAFM returned -2.29%. Year to date, MFLX is down 3.07% versus a loss of 3.22% for TAFM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.9% compared with 4.5% for TAFM. 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 -8.8% for MFLX and -6.6% for TAFM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFLX charges 0.93% per year while TAFM charges 0.28%. On a $10,000 position that is $93 vs $28 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFLX currently yields 4.51% against 3.85% for TAFM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in MFLX and 234 in TAFM, totalling 0.5% and 28.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in MFLX and 234 in TAFM, against full books of 160 and 1,404.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MFLX and TAFM 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 is cheaper, MFLX or TAFM?
MFLX has an expense ratio of 0.93% while TAFM charges 0.28%. TAFM is the cheaper option, by $65 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MFLX or TAFM?
Over the past year MFLX returned -2.70% vs -2.29% for TAFM, so TAFM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MFLX or TAFM?
MFLX has been the more volatile fund at 5.9% annualized versus 4.5% for TAFM. Worst drawdown: MFLX -8.8% vs TAFM -6.6%.
Should I hold both MFLX and TAFM?
MFLX and TAFM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFLX or TAFM?
MFLX yields 4.51% while TAFM yields 3.85%, so MFLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is TAFM better than MFLX?
TAFM has a lower expense ratio. MFLX led over the full window, TAFM over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.