EXUS vs. STAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

EXUS (Macquarie Focused International Core ETF) and STAX (Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EXUS is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Macquarie, while STAX is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by Macquarie. Over the past year, EXUS returned 8.62% vs 3.83% for STAX. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EXUS charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for STAX.

Performance

EXUS vs. STAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Macquarie Focused International Core ETF (EXUS) and Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EXUS achieves a 7.16% return, which is significantly higher than STAX's 1.43% return.

EXUS

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 2.35%
• YTD: 7.16%
• 6M: 7.61%
• 1Y: 8.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STAX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 1.43%
• 6M: 1.55%
• 1Y: 3.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EXUS vs. STAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EXUS Macquarie Focused International Core ETF	7.16%	3.87%
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	1.43%	2.49%

Correlation

The correlation between EXUS and STAX is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.25

Return for Risk

EXUS vs. STAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EXUS

EXUS Risk / Return Rank: 16
EXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
EXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
EXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 16
EXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
EXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 19

STAX

STAX Risk / Return Rank: 88
STAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
STAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
STAX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
STAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
STAX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

EXUS vs. STAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Macquarie Focused International Core ETF (EXUS) and Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX). 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.

	EXUS	STAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.46	3.61	-3.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.76	5.91	-5.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.92	-0.82
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	3.65	-3.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.00	11.59	-9.59

EXUS vs. STAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EXUS Sharpe Ratio is 0.46, which is lower than the STAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EXUS and STAX, 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

EXUS vs. STAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EXUS drawdown since its inception was -15.28%, which is greater than STAX's maximum drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EXUS and STAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EXUS	STAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.28%	-1.42%	-13.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.28%	-1.05%	-14.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.50%	0.00%	-3.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-0.23%	-2.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.32%	0.33%	+3.99%

Volatility

EXUS vs. STAX - Volatility Comparison

Macquarie Focused International Core ETF (EXUS) has a higher volatility of 7.93% compared to Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) at 0.46%. This indicates that EXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than STAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EXUS	STAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.93%	0.46%	+7.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.85%	0.88%	+15.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.18%	1.06%	+18.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.10%	1.39%	+17.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.10%	1.39%	+17.71%

EXUS vs. STAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EXUS has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than STAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

EXUS vs. STAX - Dividend Comparison

EXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, less than STAX's 3.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
EXUS Macquarie Focused International Core ETF	0.03%	0.03%	0.00%
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	3.21%	3.16%	3.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EXUS and STAX in my portfolio?

EXUS and STAX have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EXUS or STAX?

EXUS has higher volatility (7.93%) compared to STAX (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EXUS dropped -15.28% vs STAX's -1.42%.

Which ETF is better, EXUS or STAX?

On 1-year performance, EXUS leads with 8.62% vs 3.83% for STAX. On fees, STAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, STAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EXUS or STAX?

Over the 1-year period, EXUS has performed better with a 8.62% return vs 3.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EXUS or STAX?

STAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EXUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EXUS or STAX?

STAX has the higher dividend yield at 3.21%, compared with 0.03% for EXUS.

What is the main difference between EXUS and STAX?

EXUS is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while STAX is Municipal Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EXUS and 0.29% for STAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.61 vs 0.46), 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.