JHMU vs. TAXS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

JHMU (John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds - JHMU tracks the John Hancock Dimensional Utilities Index while TAXS tracks the ICE Short Term Focused Municipal Bond Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHMU charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

JHMU vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF (JHMU) 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, JHMU achieves a 1.83% return, which is significantly higher than TAXS's 0.99% return.

JHMU

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 0.81%
• YTD: 1.83%
• 6M: 2.36%
• 1Y: 7.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXS

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 0.99%
• 6M: 1.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JHMU vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JHMU John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF	1.83%	4.33%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.99%	1.22%

Correlation

The correlation between JHMU and TAXS is 0.60, 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 20, 2025	0.60

Return for Risk

JHMU vs. TAXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHMU

JHMU Risk / Return Rank: 74
JHMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
JHMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
JHMU Omega Ratio Rank: 89
JHMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
JHMU Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

JHMU vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF (JHMU) 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.

	JHMU	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.90	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.63	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	JHMU	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.64	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.76	2.85	-1.09

Drawdowns

JHMU vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHMU drawdown since its inception was -4.48%, which is greater than TAXS's maximum drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHMU and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHMU	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.48%	-0.84%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.03%	-0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-0.24%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JHMU	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.21%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.82%	1.00%	+1.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.11%	1.00%	+3.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.11%	1.00%	+3.11%

JHMU vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHMU has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHMU vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

JHMU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.72%, more than TAXS's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
JHMU John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF	3.72%	4.36%	7.29%	0.63%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.82%	0.74%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHMU and TAXS in my portfolio?

JHMU and TAXS have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, JHMU 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, JHMU or TAXS?

TAXS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for JHMU.

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

JHMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.72%, compared with 1.82% for TAXS.

What is the main difference between JHMU and TAXS?

JHMU tracks John Hancock Dimensional Utilities Index, while TAXS tracks ICE Short Term Focused Municipal Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: John Hancock and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for JHMU and 0.05% for TAXS.