MMMA vs. STAX

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

MMMA (NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF) and STAX (Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MMMA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for STAX.

Performance

MMMA vs. STAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF (MMMA) and Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MMMA achieves a 3.87% return, which is significantly higher than STAX's 1.47% return.

MMMA

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 3.87%
• 6M: 4.11%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STAX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 1.47%
• 6M: 1.55%
• 1Y: 3.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MMMA vs. STAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MMMA NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF	3.87%	0.35%
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	1.47%	0.20%

Correlation

The correlation between MMMA and STAX is 0.65, 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 Dec 16, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

MMMA vs. STAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMMA

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

STAX

STAX Risk / Return Rank: 88
STAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
STAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
STAX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
STAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
STAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

MMMA vs. STAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF (MMMA) and Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX). 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.

	MMMA	STAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.56	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	5.83	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.90	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.62	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	11.47	—

Drawdowns

MMMA vs. STAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMMA drawdown since its inception was -2.79%, which is greater than STAX's maximum drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMMA and STAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMMA	STAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.79%	-1.42%	-1.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.54%	-0.23%	-0.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.33%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MMMA	STAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.45%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.88%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.00%	1.07%	+2.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.00%	1.39%	+2.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.00%	1.39%	+2.61%

MMMA vs. STAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMMA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than STAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMMA vs. STAX - Dividend Comparison

MMMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.94%, less than STAX's 3.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MMMA NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF	1.94%	0.17%	0.00%
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	3.21%	3.16%	3.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMMA and STAX in my portfolio?

MMMA and STAX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MMMA or STAX?

On fees, STAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MMMA or STAX?

STAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for MMMA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MMMA or STAX?

STAX has the higher dividend yield at 3.21%, compared with 1.94% for MMMA.

What is the main difference between MMMA and STAX?

They also come from different issuers: NYLI and Macquarie. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MMMA and 0.29% for STAX.