CPLS vs. TAFM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

CPLS (AB Core Plus Bond ETF) and TAFM (AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while TAFM is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CPLS returned 5.29% vs 7.31% for TAFM. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPLS charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for TAFM.

Performance

CPLS vs. TAFM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) and AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF (TAFM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPLS achieves a 0.53% return, which is significantly lower than TAFM's 1.91% return.

CPLS

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 0.53%
• 6M: 0.48%
• 1Y: 5.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAFM

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 1.91%
• 6M: 2.26%
• 1Y: 7.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPLS vs. TAFM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	0.53%	6.91%	1.65%	1.21%
TAFM AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF	1.91%	4.21%	2.54%	1.51%

Correlation

The correlation between CPLS and TAFM is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2023	0.64

The correlation between CPLS and TAFM shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.64 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CPLS vs. TAFM — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPLS

CPLS Risk / Return Rank: 39
CPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
CPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
CPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 36
CPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
CPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 40

TAFM

TAFM Risk / Return Rank: 65
TAFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
TAFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
TAFM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
TAFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
TAFM Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

CPLS vs. TAFM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) and AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF (TAFM). 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.

	CPLS	TAFM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	2.28	-0.91
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	3.34	-1.27
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.46	-0.22
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	2.72	-0.66
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.52	9.72	-3.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CPLS vs. TAFM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is lower than the TAFM Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPLS and TAFM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CPLS	TAFM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	2.28	-0.91
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.84	+0.03

Drawdowns

CPLS vs. TAFM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPLS drawdown since its inception was -4.43%, smaller than the maximum TAFM drawdown of -4.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPLS and TAFM.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPLS	TAFM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.43%	-4.74%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.47%	-2.69%	+0.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-0.36%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.24%	-0.95%	-0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.78%	0.75%	+0.03%

Volatility

CPLS vs. TAFM - Volatility Comparison

AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) has a higher volatility of 1.42% compared to AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF (TAFM) at 1.02%. This indicates that CPLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TAFM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPLS	TAFM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.42%	1.02%	+0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.88%	2.16%	+0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	3.22%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.82%	4.95%	-0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.82%	4.95%	-0.13%

CPLS vs. TAFM - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPLS has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than TAFM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPLS vs. TAFM - Dividend Comparison

CPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, more than TAFM's 3.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	4.61%	4.66%	4.71%	0.23%
TAFM AB Tax-Aware Intermediate Municipal ETF	3.64%	3.51%	3.35%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPLS and TAFM in my portfolio?

CPLS and TAFM have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPLS or TAFM?

CPLS has higher volatility (1.42%) compared to TAFM (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPLS dropped -4.43% vs TAFM's -4.74%.

Which ETF is better, CPLS or TAFM?

On 1-year performance, TAFM leads with 7.31% vs 5.29% for CPLS. On fees, TAFM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, TAFM has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPLS or TAFM?

Over the 1-year period, TAFM has performed better with a 7.31% return vs 5.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPLS or TAFM?

TAFM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CPLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPLS or TAFM?

CPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.61%, compared with 3.64% for TAFM.

What is the main difference between CPLS and TAFM?

CPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while TAFM is Municipal Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CPLS and 0.28% for TAFM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TAFM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.37), 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.