BKMI vs. ZTAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BKMI (BNY Mellon Municipal Intermediate ETF) and ZTAX (X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.23, they often move in opposite directions. BKMI charges 0.35%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for ZTAX.

Performance

BKMI vs. ZTAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Municipal Intermediate ETF (BKMI) and X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF (ZTAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BKMI

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZTAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -1.80%
• YTD: 0.20%
• 6M: 5.42%
• 1Y: 6.21%
• 3Y*: 4.56%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BKMI vs. ZTAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BKMI BNY Mellon Municipal Intermediate ETF	0.26%
ZTAX X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF	-0.90%

Correlation

The correlation between BKMI and ZTAX is -0.23, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2026	-0.23

Return for Risk

BKMI vs. ZTAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZTAX

ZTAX Risk / Return Rank: 14
ZTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
ZTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
ZTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ZTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
ZTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

BKMI vs. ZTAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon Municipal Intermediate ETF (BKMI) and X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF (ZTAX). 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

	BKMI	ZTAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	0.20	+0.03

Drawdowns

BKMI vs. ZTAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKMI drawdown since its inception was -2.99%, smaller than the maximum ZTAX drawdown of -15.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKMI and ZTAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKMI	ZTAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-15.33%	+12.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.47%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-6.58%	+5.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.17%	-6.81%	+5.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.22%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BKMI	ZTAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.07%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	21.96%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.88%	26.32%	-23.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.88%	26.84%	-23.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.88%	26.84%	-23.96%

BKMI vs. ZTAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKMI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ZTAX's 1.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKMI vs. ZTAX - Dividend Comparison

BKMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than ZTAX's 4.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BKMI BNY Mellon Municipal Intermediate ETF	0.98%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ZTAX X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF	4.56%	4.58%	4.55%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKMI and ZTAX in my portfolio?

BKMI and ZTAX have a correlation of -0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BKMI or ZTAX?

On fees, BKMI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKMI or ZTAX?

BKMI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for ZTAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKMI or ZTAX?

ZTAX has the higher dividend yield at 4.56%, compared with 0.98% for BKMI.

What is the main difference between BKMI and ZTAX?

They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and X-Square. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BKMI and 1.14% for ZTAX.