FTPA vs. TAXS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FTPA (Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. FTPA is actively managed, while TAXS is passively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTPA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

FTPA vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF (FTPA) and Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTPA achieves a 2.33% return, which is significantly higher than TAXS's 0.95% return.

FTPA

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 2.33%
• 6M: 2.86%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 6M: 1.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTPA vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTPA Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF	2.33%	0.24%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.95%	0.97%

Correlation

The correlation between FTPA and TAXS 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 Nov 11, 2025	0.54

Return for Risk

FTPA vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF (FTPA) and Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS). 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

	FTPA	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.14	2.78	-1.65

Drawdowns

FTPA vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTPA drawdown since its inception was -2.96%, which is greater than TAXS's maximum drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTPA and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTPA	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.96%	-0.84%	-2.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-0.07%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.65%	-0.23%	-0.42%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTPA	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.08%	1.00%	+3.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.08%	1.00%	+3.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.08%	1.00%	+3.08%

FTPA vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTPA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTPA vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

FTPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.08%, more than TAXS's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
FTPA Franklin Pennsylvania Municipal Income ETF	2.08%	0.47%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.82%	0.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTPA and TAXS in my portfolio?

FTPA and TAXS 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, FTPA or TAXS?

On fees, TAXS 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, FTPA or TAXS?

TAXS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for FTPA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTPA or TAXS?

FTPA has the higher dividend yield at 2.08%, compared with 1.82% for TAXS.

What is the main difference between FTPA and TAXS?

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