BVATX vs. STMDX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BVATX (Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund) and STMDX (Sterling Capital Stratton Real Estate Fund) are both mutual funds - BVATX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Sterling Capital, while STMDX is a REIT fund managed by Sterling Capital. Over the past 10 years, BVATX returned 1.41%/yr vs 6.60%/yr for STMDX. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BVATX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for STMDX.

Performance

BVATX vs. STMDX - 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 Stratton Real Estate Fund (STMDX). 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 lower than STMDX's 10.95% return. Over the past 10 years, BVATX has underperformed STMDX with an annualized return of 1.41%, while STMDX has yielded a comparatively higher 6.60% annualized return.

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%

STMDX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -1.22%
• YTD: 10.95%
• 6M: 11.11%
• 1Y: 9.86%
• 3Y*: 8.84%
• 5Y*: 3.10%
• 10Y*: 6.60%

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

BVATX vs. STMDX - 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%
STMDX Sterling Capital Stratton Real Estate Fund	10.95%	1.35%	6.25%	13.28%	-26.17%	38.53%	-0.54%	31.77%	-2.82%	7.81%

Correlation

The correlation between BVATX and STMDX is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 17, 1999	0.03

Over the past year, BVATX and STMDX have become more correlated (0.23) than their long-term average of 0.03, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

BVATX vs. STMDX — 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

STMDX

STMDX Risk / Return Rank: 11
STMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
STMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
STMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
STMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
STMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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. STMDX - 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 Stratton Real Estate Fund (STMDX). 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	STMDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	0.73	+1.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	1.06	+2.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.14	+0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	1.27	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.40	3.52	+1.89

BVATX vs. STMDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BVATX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is higher than the STMDX Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BVATX and STMDX, 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. STMDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BVATX drawdown since its inception was -10.24%, smaller than the maximum STMDX drawdown of -65.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BVATX and STMDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BVATX	STMDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.24%	-65.12%	+54.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.57%	-7.70%	+5.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.25%	-16.98%	+12.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.97%	-33.43%	+23.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-10.24%	-40.52%	+30.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-2.89%	+2.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-10.08%	+8.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	2.78%	-1.95%

Volatility

BVATX vs. STMDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax Free Fund (BVATX) is 0.55%, while Sterling Capital Stratton Real Estate Fund (STMDX) has a volatility of 5.24%. This indicates that BVATX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than STMDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BVATX	STMDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.55%	5.24%	-4.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.62%	9.97%	-8.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98%	13.43%	-11.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.80%	18.77%	-15.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.19%	20.45%	-17.26%

BVATX vs. STMDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BVATX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than STMDX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

BVATX vs. STMDX - Dividend Comparison

BVATX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than STMDX's 5.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
STMDX Sterling Capital Stratton Real Estate Fund	5.72%	6.24%	7.14%	8.39%	8.29%	7.14%	4.05%	9.15%	5.92%	4.80%	7.98%	2.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BVATX and STMDX in my portfolio?

BVATX and STMDX 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 is riskier, BVATX or STMDX?

STMDX has higher volatility (5.24%) compared to BVATX (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BVATX dropped -10.24% vs STMDX's -65.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BVATX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 0.73), 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.