BVATX vs. BBNTX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BVATX (Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund) and BBNTX (Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds from Sterling Capital. Over the past 10 years, BVATX returned 1.41%/yr vs 1.46%/yr for BBNTX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BVATX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for BBNTX.

Performance

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund (BVATX) and Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (BBNTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BVATX achieves a 0.79% return, which is significantly higher than BBNTX's 0.72% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BVATX having a 1.41% annualized return and BBNTX not far ahead at 1.46%.

BVATX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 6M: 1.10%
• 1Y: 4.46%
• 3Y*: 2.87%
• 5Y*: 0.68%
• 10Y*: 1.41%

BBNTX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 1.05%
• 1Y: 4.69%
• 3Y*: 3.11%
• 5Y*: 0.76%
• 10Y*: 1.46%

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

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BVATX Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund	0.79%	4.70%	0.32%	3.60%	-5.59%	-0.59%	4.28%	6.32%	0.79%	3.28%
BBNTX Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund	0.72%	5.19%	0.45%	3.64%	-5.86%	-0.23%	4.26%	6.09%	0.73%	3.28%

Correlation

The correlation between BVATX and BBNTX is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 17, 1999	0.89

The correlation between BVATX and BBNTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BVATX vs. BBNTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BVATX

BVATX Risk / Return Rank: 57
BVATX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
BVATX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
BVATX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
BVATX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
BVATX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

BBNTX

BBNTX Risk / Return Rank: 56
BBNTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
BBNTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
BBNTX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
BBNTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BBNTX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund (BVATX) and Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (BBNTX). 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.

	BVATX	BBNTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.24	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	3.30	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.58	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	1.68	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.40	5.08	+0.32

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BVATX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the BBNTX Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BVATX and BBNTX, 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

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BVATX drawdown since its inception was -10.24%, roughly equal to the maximum BBNTX drawdown of -10.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BVATX and BBNTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BVATX	BBNTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.24%	-10.25%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.57%	-2.81%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.25%	-4.15%	-0.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.97%	-10.16%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-10.24%	-10.25%	+0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-1.07%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-1.46%	-0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	0.92%	-0.09%

Volatility

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Volatility Comparison

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund (BVATX) and Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (BBNTX) have volatilities of 0.55% and 0.54%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BVATX	BBNTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.55%	0.54%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.62%	1.75%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98%	2.11%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.80%	2.84%	-0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.19%	3.22%	-0.03%

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BVATX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than BBNTX's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

BVATX vs. BBNTX - Dividend Comparison

BVATX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than BBNTX's 2.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBNTX Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund	2.68%	3.52%	2.82%	2.07%	1.94%	1.59%	1.62%	2.43%	2.51%	2.39%	2.73%	2.98%
BVATX Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund	2.54%	3.36%	2.67%	1.89%	1.81%	1.65%	2.03%	2.27%	2.24%	2.20%	3.06%	2.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BVATX and BBNTX in my portfolio?

BVATX and BBNTX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BVATX or BBNTX?

BVATX has higher volatility (0.55%) compared to BBNTX (0.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BVATX dropped -10.24% vs BBNTX's -10.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BVATX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.24), 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.