HYD vs. TAXS

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

HYD (VanEck High Yield Muni ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds - HYD tracks the ICE Broad High Yield Crossover Municipal Index while TAXS tracks the ICE Short Term Focused Municipal Bond Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HYD charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

HYD vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck High Yield Muni ETF (HYD) 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, HYD achieves a 2.07% return, which is significantly higher than TAXS's 1.12% return.

HYD

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: 1.53%
• YTD: 2.07%
• 1Y: 8.96%
• 3Y*: 3.97%
• 5Y*: -0.40%
• 10Y*: 1.82%

TAXS

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.13%
• 6M: 0.73%
• YTD: 1.12%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HYD vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HYD VanEck High Yield Muni ETF	2.07%	5.64%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.12%	1.22%

Correlation

The correlation between HYD and TAXS is 0.57, 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	0.57

Return for Risk

HYD vs. TAXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYD

HYD Risk / Return Rank: 85
HYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
HYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
HYD Omega Ratio Rank: 92
HYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
HYD Martin Ratio Rank: 84

TAXS

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.

HYD vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck High Yield Muni ETF (HYD) 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.

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.

	HYD	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.07	—	—

Drawdowns

HYD vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYD drawdown since its inception was -35.61%, which is greater than TAXS's maximum drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYD and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	HYD	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.61%	-0.84%	-34.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.21%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.09%	-0.11%	-1.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.31%	-0.21%	-4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HYD	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.06%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.13%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.93%	0.97%	+2.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.46%	0.97%	+5.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.61%	0.97%	+11.64%

HYD vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

HYD vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

HYD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.33%, more than TAXS's 2.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HYD VanEck High Yield Muni ETF	4.33%	4.29%	4.29%	4.13%	3.96%	3.50%	4.01%	4.08%	4.43%	4.29%	4.58%	4.82%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.03%	0.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HYD and TAXS in my portfolio?

HYD and TAXS have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HYD 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, HYD or TAXS?

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

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

HYD has the higher dividend yield at 4.33%, compared with 2.03% for TAXS.

What is the main difference between HYD and TAXS?

HYD tracks ICE Broad High Yield Crossover Municipal Index, while TAXS tracks ICE Short Term Focused Municipal Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for HYD and 0.05% for TAXS.