BLST vs. TAXS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BLST (Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BLST is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Bluemonte, while TAXS is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the ICE Short Term Focused Municipal Bond Index. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BLST charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

BLST vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) and Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLST achieves a 0.25% return, which is significantly lower than TAXS's 0.99% return.

BLST

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 6M: 0.38%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXS

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 0.99%
• 6M: 1.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BLST vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BLST Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF	0.25%	1.96%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.99%	1.22%

Correlation

The correlation between BLST and TAXS is 0.50, 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 20, 2025	0.50

Return for Risk

BLST vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) and Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS). 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

	BLST	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.51	2.85	-1.34

Drawdowns

BLST vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLST drawdown since its inception was -1.69%, which is greater than TAXS's maximum drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLST and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLST	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.69%	-0.84%	-0.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.92%	-0.03%	-0.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-0.24%	-0.11%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BLST	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.21%	1.00%	+1.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.21%	1.00%	+1.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.21%	1.00%	+1.21%

BLST vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLST has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXS'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

BLST vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

BLST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, more than TAXS's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BLST Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF	3.38%	2.11%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.82%	0.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLST and TAXS in my portfolio?

BLST and TAXS have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BLST or TAXS?

On fees, TAXS 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, BLST or TAXS?

TAXS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for BLST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLST or TAXS?

BLST has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 1.82% for TAXS.

What is the main difference between BLST and TAXS?

BLST is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while TAXS is Municipal Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Bluemonte and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for BLST and 0.05% for TAXS.