FTCA vs. ZTAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FTCA (Franklin California Municipal Income ETF) and ZTAX (X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. FTCA charges 0.35%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for ZTAX.

Performance

FTCA vs. ZTAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin California Municipal Income ETF (FTCA) and X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF (ZTAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTCA achieves a 3.15% return, which is significantly lower than ZTAX's 4.33% return.

FTCA

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 3.15%
• 6M: 3.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZTAX

• 1D: 2.63%
• 1M: 3.87%
• YTD: 4.33%
• 6M: 3.53%
• 1Y: 8.62%
• 3Y*: 5.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTCA vs. ZTAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTCA Franklin California Municipal Income ETF	3.15%	-0.08%
ZTAX X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF	4.33%	4.08%

Correlation

The correlation between FTCA and ZTAX is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2025	-0.09

Return for Risk

FTCA vs. ZTAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTCA

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

ZTAX

ZTAX Risk / Return Rank: 16
ZTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
ZTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
ZTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
ZTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
ZTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

FTCA vs. ZTAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin California Municipal Income ETF (FTCA) and X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF (ZTAX). 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.

	FTCA	ZTAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.27	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.62	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.11	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.79	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	1.86	—

Drawdowns

FTCA vs. ZTAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTCA drawdown since its inception was -2.92%, smaller than the maximum ZTAX drawdown of -15.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCA and ZTAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTCA	ZTAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.92%	-15.33%	+12.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.99%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-8.39%	+8.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.61%	-6.83%	+6.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.65%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTCA	ZTAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	19.81%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	27.64%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.40%	32.42%	-29.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.40%	28.90%	-25.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.40%	28.90%	-25.50%

FTCA vs. ZTAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTCA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ZTAX's 1.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTCA vs. ZTAX - Dividend Comparison

FTCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, less than ZTAX's 4.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FTCA Franklin California Municipal Income ETF	2.32%	0.74%	0.00%	0.00%
ZTAX X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF	4.38%	4.58%	4.55%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTCA and ZTAX in my portfolio?

FTCA and ZTAX have a correlation of -0.09, 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 ZTAX?

On fees, FTCA is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTCA or ZTAX?

FTCA is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for ZTAX.

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

ZTAX has the higher dividend yield at 4.38%, compared with 2.32% for FTCA.

What is the main difference between FTCA and ZTAX?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and X-Square. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for FTCA and 1.14% for ZTAX.