AVMU vs. TAXT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVMU (Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income ETF) and TAXT (Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. AVMU is actively managed, while TAXT is passively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVMU charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXT.

Performance

AVMU vs. TAXT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income ETF (AVMU) and Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVMU achieves a 1.91% return, which is significantly higher than TAXT's 1.45% return.

AVMU

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.43%
• YTD: 1.91%
• 6M: 2.15%
• 1Y: 7.95%
• 3Y*: 3.50%
• 5Y*: 1.00%
• 10Y*: —

TAXT

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 1.45%
• 6M: 1.56%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVMU vs. TAXT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AVMU Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income ETF	1.91%	5.91%
TAXT Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.45%	3.91%

Correlation

The correlation between AVMU and TAXT is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 19, 2025	0.75

Return for Risk

AVMU vs. TAXT — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVMU

AVMU Risk / Return Rank: 74
AVMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
AVMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
AVMU Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AVMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
AVMU Martin Ratio Rank: 55

TAXT

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

AVMU vs. TAXT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income ETF (AVMU) and Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXT). 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.

	AVMU	TAXT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.01	—	—

Drawdowns

AVMU vs. TAXT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVMU drawdown since its inception was -12.41%, which is greater than TAXT's maximum drawdown of -2.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVMU and TAXT.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVMU	TAXT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.41%	-2.49%	-9.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.32%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.62%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-0.48%	-3.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AVMU	TAXT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.87%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.32%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.24%	2.53%	+0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.13%	2.53%	+1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.97%	2.53%	+1.44%

AVMU vs. TAXT - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVMU has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXT's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVMU vs. TAXT - Dividend Comparison

AVMU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.48%, more than TAXT's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVMU Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income ETF	3.48%	3.50%	3.32%	2.50%	1.29%	0.77%
TAXT Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.55%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVMU and TAXT in my portfolio?

AVMU and TAXT have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AVMU or TAXT?

On fees, TAXT is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVMU or TAXT?

TAXT is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AVMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVMU or TAXT?

AVMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.48%, compared with 2.55% for TAXT.

What is the main difference between AVMU and TAXT?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AVMU and 0.05% for TAXT.