APLU vs. AUSM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

APLU (Allspring Core Plus ETF) and AUSM (Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - APLU is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Allspring, while AUSM is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by Allspring. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, APLU returned 3.75% vs 2.89% for AUSM. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. APLU charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AUSM.

Performance

APLU vs. AUSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, APLU achieves a -0.31% return, which is significantly lower than AUSM's 1.34% return.

APLU

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -0.85%
• 6M: -0.47%
• YTD: -0.31%
• 1Y: 3.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AUSM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.22%
• 6M: 1.16%
• YTD: 1.34%
• 1Y: 2.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

APLU vs. AUSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	-0.31%	4.08%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	1.34%	1.58%

Correlation

The correlation between APLU and AUSM is -0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	-0.04

Return for Risk

APLU vs. AUSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

APLU

APLU Risk / Return Rank: 31
APLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
APLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
APLU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
APLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
APLU Martin Ratio Rank: 32

AUSM

AUSM Risk / Return Rank: 97
AUSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
AUSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
AUSM Omega Ratio Rank: 98
AUSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
AUSM Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

APLU vs. AUSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM). 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.

	APLU	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	3.96	-3.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.36	6.86	-5.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	2.26	-1.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.33	6.94	-5.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.76	20.53	-16.76

APLU vs. AUSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current APLU Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is lower than the AUSM Sharpe Ratio of 3.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of APLU and AUSM, 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

APLU vs. AUSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APLU drawdown since its inception was -3.24%, which is greater than AUSM's maximum drawdown of -0.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APLU and AUSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	APLU	AUSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.24%	-0.42%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.84%	-0.42%	-2.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.07%	-0.00%	-2.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-0.08%	-0.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	0.14%	+0.86%

Volatility

APLU vs. AUSM - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) has a higher volatility of 1.27% compared to Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM) at 0.13%. This indicates that APLU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AUSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	APLU	AUSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	0.13%	+1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.04%	0.45%	+2.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.02%	0.73%	+3.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.01%	0.73%	+4.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.01%	0.73%	+4.28%

APLU vs. AUSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

APLU has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is higher than AUSM's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

APLU vs. AUSM - Dividend Comparison

APLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.47%, more than AUSM's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	5.47%	5.13%	0.44%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	2.61%	1.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APLU and AUSM in my portfolio?

APLU and AUSM have a correlation of -0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, APLU or AUSM?

APLU has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to AUSM (0.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, APLU dropped -3.24% vs AUSM's -0.42%.

Which ETF is better, APLU or AUSM?

On 1-year performance, APLU leads with 3.75% vs 2.89% for AUSM. On fees, AUSM is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, AUSM has been the lower-risk option at 0.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, APLU or AUSM?

Over the 1-year period, APLU has performed better with a 3.75% return vs 2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, APLU or AUSM?

AUSM is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for APLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, APLU or AUSM?

APLU has the higher dividend yield at 5.47%, compared with 2.61% for AUSM.

What is the main difference between APLU and AUSM?

APLU is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while AUSM is Municipal Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for APLU and 0.18% for AUSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AUSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.96 vs 0.94), 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.