MMCA vs. VTES

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MMCA (IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF) and VTES (Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares) are both Municipal Bonds funds. MMCA is actively managed, while VTES is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MMCA returned 4.06%/yr vs 3.23%/yr for VTES. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MMCA charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VTES.

Performance

MMCA vs. VTES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF (MMCA) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with MMCA at 0.66% and VTES at 0.66%.

MMCA

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 6.39%
• 3Y*: 4.06%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTES

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 3.63%
• 3Y*: 3.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MMCA vs. VTES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MMCA IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF	0.66%	5.74%	1.70%	5.03%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	0.66%	4.19%	1.85%	3.32%

Correlation

The correlation between MMCA and VTES 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2023	0.67

The correlation between MMCA and VTES shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MMCA vs. VTES — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMCA

MMCA Risk / Return Rank: 66
MMCA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
MMCA Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
MMCA Omega Ratio Rank: 85
MMCA Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
MMCA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

VTES

VTES Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VTES Omega Ratio Rank: 94
VTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VTES Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

MMCA vs. VTES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF (MMCA) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES). 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.

	MMCA	VTES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	2.94	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.69	4.26	-0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.70	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	2.48	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.78	7.36	-0.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MMCA vs. VTES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMCA Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the VTES Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMCA and VTES, 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

	MMCA	VTES	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	2.94	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.04	1.81	-1.77

Drawdowns

MMCA vs. VTES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMCA drawdown since its inception was -15.97%, which is greater than VTES's maximum drawdown of -2.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMCA and VTES.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMCA	VTES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.97%	-2.42%	-13.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.01%	-1.47%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.68%	-1.80%	-1.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-0.62%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.05%	-0.50%	-6.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	0.49%	+0.45%

Volatility

MMCA vs. VTES - Volatility Comparison

IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF (MMCA) has a higher volatility of 0.90% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES) at 0.35%. This indicates that MMCA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MMCA	VTES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.90%	0.35%	+0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.89%	0.97%	+0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.60%	1.24%	+1.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.61%	1.72%	+1.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.61%	1.72%	+1.89%

MMCA vs. VTES - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMCA has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VTES's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMCA vs. VTES - Dividend Comparison

MMCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.29%, more than VTES's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MMCA IQ MacKay California Municipal Intermediate ETF	3.29%	3.39%	3.66%	3.57%	2.90%	0.05%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	2.75%	2.77%	2.99%	2.03%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMCA and VTES in my portfolio?

MMCA and VTES 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 is riskier, MMCA or VTES?

MMCA has higher volatility (0.90%) compared to VTES (0.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMCA dropped -15.97% vs VTES's -2.42%.

Which ETF is better, MMCA or VTES?

On 3-year performance, MMCA leads with 4.06% vs 3.23% for VTES. On fees, VTES is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VTES has been the lower-risk option at 0.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MMCA or VTES?

Over the 3-year period, MMCA has performed better with a 4.06% return vs 3.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MMCA or VTES?

VTES is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for MMCA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MMCA or VTES?

MMCA has the higher dividend yield at 3.29%, compared with 2.75% for VTES.

What is the main difference between MMCA and VTES?

They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for MMCA and 0.07% for VTES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTES currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.47), 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.