FTCA vs. TAXT

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FTCA (Franklin California Municipal Income ETF) and TAXT (Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. FTCA is actively managed, while TAXT is passively managed. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTCA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXT.

Performance

FTCA vs. TAXT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin California Municipal Income ETF (FTCA) 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, FTCA achieves a 2.32% return, which is significantly higher than TAXT's 1.44% return.

FTCA

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 2.32%
• 6M: 2.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXT

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 1.44%
• 6M: 1.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTCA vs. TAXT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTCA Franklin California Municipal Income ETF	2.32%	0.06%
TAXT Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.44%	0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between FTCA and TAXT is 0.59, 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 28, 2025	0.59

Return for Risk

FTCA vs. TAXT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin California Municipal Income ETF (FTCA) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTCA	TAXT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	2.74	-1.60

Drawdowns

FTCA vs. TAXT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTCA drawdown since its inception was -2.92%, which is greater than TAXT's maximum drawdown of -2.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCA and TAXT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTCA	TAXT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.92%	-2.49%	-0.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.63%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.65%	-0.47%	-0.18%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTCA	TAXT	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.48%	2.53%	+0.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.48%	2.53%	+0.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.48%	2.53%	+0.95%

FTCA vs. TAXT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTCA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXT's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTCA vs. TAXT - Dividend Comparison

FTCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, less than TAXT's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
FTCA Franklin California Municipal Income ETF	2.34%	0.74%
TAXT Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.55%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTCA and TAXT in my portfolio?

FTCA and TAXT have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTCA 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, FTCA or TAXT?

TAXT is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for FTCA.

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

TAXT has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 2.34% for FTCA.

What is the main difference between FTCA and TAXT?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for FTCA and 0.05% for TAXT.