MAGG vs. CAFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MAGG (Madison Aggregate Bond ETF) and CAFX (Congress Intermediate Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MAGG returned 5.46% vs 3.95% for CAFX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MAGG charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for CAFX.

Performance

MAGG vs. CAFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) and Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAGG achieves a 0.15% return, which is significantly lower than CAFX's 0.28% return.

MAGG

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 0.15%
• 6M: 0.22%
• 1Y: 5.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAFX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.28%
• 6M: 0.37%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAGG vs. CAFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MAGG Madison Aggregate Bond ETF	0.15%	7.28%	-3.05%
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF	0.28%	6.46%	-1.66%

Correlation

The correlation between MAGG and CAFX is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2024	0.73

The correlation between MAGG and CAFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MAGG vs. CAFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAGG

MAGG Risk / Return Rank: 40
MAGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
MAGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MAGG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MAGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
MAGG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

CAFX

CAFX Risk / Return Rank: 42
CAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
CAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
CAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
CAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
CAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

MAGG vs. CAFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) and Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX). 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.

	MAGG	CAFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.37	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.12	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.26	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	2.22	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.88	6.46	-0.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MAGG vs. CAFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAGG Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the CAFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAGG and CAFX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MAGG	CAFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	1.37	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.05	0.91	+0.13

Drawdowns

MAGG vs. CAFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAGG drawdown since its inception was -4.56%, which is greater than CAFX's maximum drawdown of -2.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAGG and CAFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAGG	CAFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.56%	-2.63%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.86%	-1.79%	-1.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.52%	-0.92%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.25%	-0.73%	-0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.61%	+0.32%

Volatility

MAGG vs. CAFX - Volatility Comparison

Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) has a higher volatility of 1.17% compared to Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX) at 0.75%. This indicates that MAGG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CAFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MAGG	CAFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.17%	0.75%	+0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.58%	1.84%	+0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.99%	2.89%	+1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.75%	3.16%	+1.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.75%	3.16%	+1.59%

MAGG vs. CAFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAGG has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than CAFX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAGG vs. CAFX - Dividend Comparison

MAGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.74%, more than CAFX's 4.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF	4.01%	3.92%	0.96%	0.00%
MAGG Madison Aggregate Bond ETF	4.74%	4.80%	5.13%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAGG and CAFX in my portfolio?

MAGG and CAFX have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAGG or CAFX?

MAGG has higher volatility (1.17%) compared to CAFX (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAGG dropped -4.56% vs CAFX's -2.63%.

Which ETF is better, MAGG or CAFX?

On 1-year performance, MAGG leads with 5.46% vs 3.95% for CAFX. On fees, CAFX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CAFX has been the lower-risk option at 0.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAGG or CAFX?

Over the 1-year period, MAGG has performed better with a 5.46% return vs 3.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAGG or CAFX?

CAFX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for MAGG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MAGG or CAFX?

MAGG has the higher dividend yield at 4.74%, compared with 4.01% for CAFX.

What is the main difference between MAGG and CAFX?

They also come from different issuers: Madison and Congress. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for MAGG and 0.35% for CAFX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAGG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.37), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.