CAM vs. TAXS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CAM (AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. CAM is actively managed, while TAXS is passively managed. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CAM charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

CAM vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF (CAM) 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, CAM achieves a 1.29% return, which is significantly higher than TAXS's 0.93% return.

CAM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 1.29%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXS

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 0.93%
• 6M: 1.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CAM vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CAM AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF	1.29%	1.17%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.93%	0.98%

Correlation

The correlation between CAM and TAXS is 0.56, 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 Oct 7, 2025	0.56

Return for Risk

CAM vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF (CAM) 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

	CAM	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.80	2.78	-0.98

Drawdowns

CAM vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAM drawdown since its inception was -2.19%, which is greater than TAXS's maximum drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAM and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAM	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.19%	-0.84%	-1.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.09%	-0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-0.24%	-0.27%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CAM	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12%	1.00%	+1.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.12%	1.00%	+1.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.12%	1.00%	+1.12%

CAM vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAM has a 0.27% 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

CAM vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

CAM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.25%, more than TAXS's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CAM AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF	2.25%	0.87%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.83%	0.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAM and TAXS in my portfolio?

CAM and TAXS have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CAM 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, CAM or TAXS?

TAXS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for CAM.

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

CAM has the higher dividend yield at 2.25%, compared with 1.83% for TAXS.

What is the main difference between CAM and TAXS?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for CAM and 0.05% for TAXS.