AUSM vs. APLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AUSM (Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF) and APLU (Allspring Core Plus ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AUSM is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by Allspring, while APLU is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Allspring. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. AUSM charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for APLU.

Performance

AUSM vs. APLU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AUSM achieves a 0.98% return, which is significantly higher than APLU's 0.35% return.

AUSM

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APLU

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 5.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AUSM vs. APLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	0.98%	1.63%
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	0.35%	4.18%

Correlation

The correlation between AUSM and APLU is -0.02, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	-0.02

Return for Risk

AUSM vs. APLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

APLU

APLU Risk / Return Rank: 40
APLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
APLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
APLU Omega Ratio Rank: 40
APLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
APLU Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

AUSM vs. APLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	AUSM	APLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.98	0.75	+3.22

Drawdowns

AUSM vs. APLU - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	AUSM	APLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.42%	-3.24%	+2.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-1.42%	+1.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.09%	-0.89%	+0.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.91%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AUSM	APLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.44%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.82%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73%	4.05%	-3.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.73%	5.06%	-4.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.73%	5.06%	-4.33%

AUSM vs. APLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

AUSM vs. APLU - Dividend Comparison

AUSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, less than APLU's 5.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	5.43%	5.13%	0.44%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	2.39%	1.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUSM and APLU in my portfolio?

AUSM and APLU have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AUSM or APLU?

On fees, AUSM 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, AUSM or APLU?

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

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

APLU has the higher dividend yield at 5.43%, compared with 2.39% for AUSM.

What is the main difference between AUSM and APLU?

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