FSMB vs. TAXT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FSMB (First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF) and TAXT (Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. FSMB is actively managed, while TAXT is passively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSMB charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXT.

Performance

FSMB vs. TAXT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF (FSMB) and Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMB achieves a 1.26% return, which is significantly lower than TAXT's 1.45% return.

FSMB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.39%
• 1Y: 3.78%
• 3Y*: 3.39%
• 5Y*: 1.52%
• 10Y*: —

TAXT

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 1.45%
• 6M: 1.56%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSMB vs. TAXT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSMB First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF	1.26%	1.41%
TAXT Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.45%	3.91%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMB and TAXT is 0.54, 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 Aug 19, 2025	0.54

Return for Risk

FSMB vs. TAXT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSMB

FSMB Risk / Return Rank: 79
FSMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FSMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
FSMB Omega Ratio Rank: 91
FSMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
FSMB Martin Ratio Rank: 60

TAXT

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

FSMB vs. TAXT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF (FSMB) and Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXT). 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.

	FSMB	TAXT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.04	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.01	—	—

Drawdowns

FSMB vs. TAXT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMB drawdown since its inception was -6.32%, which is greater than TAXT's maximum drawdown of -2.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMB and TAXT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMB	TAXT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.32%	-2.49%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.76%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.62%	+0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.15%	-0.48%	-0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSMB	TAXT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.31%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.03%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40%	2.53%	-1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.96%	2.53%	-0.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.91%	2.53%	+0.38%

FSMB vs. TAXT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMB has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXT's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSMB vs. TAXT - Dividend Comparison

FSMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.14%, more than TAXT's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FSMB First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF	3.14%	3.09%	2.88%	2.40%	1.47%	1.20%	1.79%	2.27%	0.19%
TAXT Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.55%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMB and TAXT in my portfolio?

FSMB and TAXT have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FSMB or TAXT?

On fees, TAXT 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, FSMB or TAXT?

TAXT is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FSMB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSMB or TAXT?

FSMB has the higher dividend yield at 3.14%, compared with 2.55% for TAXT.

What is the main difference between FSMB and TAXT?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSMB and 0.05% for TAXT.