NMB vs. CDX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

NMB (Simplify National Muni Bond ETF) and CDX (Simplify High Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NMB is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify, while CDX is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NMB returned 8.43% vs -1.34% for CDX. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NMB charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for CDX.

Performance

NMB vs. CDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify National Muni Bond ETF (NMB) and Simplify High Yield ETF (CDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NMB achieves a 1.89% return, which is significantly higher than CDX's -2.40% return.

NMB

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: 2.07%
• YTD: 1.89%
• 1Y: 8.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CDX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -0.97%
• 6M: -2.96%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 1Y: -1.34%
• 3Y*: 7.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NMB vs. CDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NMB Simplify National Muni Bond ETF	1.89%	7.97%	-1.96%
CDX Simplify High Yield ETF	-2.40%	9.51%	-2.33%

Correlation

The correlation between NMB and CDX is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	0.25

Return for Risk

NMB vs. CDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NMB

NMB Risk / Return Rank: 43
NMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
NMB Omega Ratio Rank: 46
NMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NMB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

CDX

CDX Risk / Return Rank: 7
CDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
CDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
CDX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
CDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
CDX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

NMB vs. CDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify National Muni Bond ETF (NMB) and Simplify High Yield ETF (CDX). 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.

	NMB	CDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	-0.22	+1.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	-0.27	+2.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	0.97	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.56	-0.30	+1.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.65	-0.61	+4.26

NMB vs. CDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NMB Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is higher than the CDX Sharpe Ratio of -0.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NMB and CDX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NMB vs. CDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NMB drawdown since its inception was -13.68%, roughly equal to the maximum CDX drawdown of -13.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NMB and CDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NMB	CDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.68%	-13.24%	-0.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.49%	-4.18%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-8.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.92%	-7.37%	+6.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.19%	-4.40%	+1.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	2.07%	+0.27%

Volatility

NMB vs. CDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify National Muni Bond ETF (NMB) is 1.29%, while Simplify High Yield ETF (CDX) has a volatility of 1.77%. This indicates that NMB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NMB	CDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.29%	1.77%	-0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.39%	5.04%	-0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.90%	5.86%	+1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.33%	11.00%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.33%	11.00%	+1.33%

NMB vs. CDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NMB has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than CDX's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

NMB vs. CDX - Dividend Comparison

NMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.12%, less than CDX's 8.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CDX Simplify High Yield ETF	8.32%	7.18%	12.60%	5.26%	7.51%
NMB Simplify National Muni Bond ETF	5.12%	4.48%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NMB and CDX in my portfolio?

NMB and CDX have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NMB or CDX?

CDX has higher volatility (1.77%) compared to NMB (1.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NMB dropped -13.68% vs CDX's -13.24%.

Which ETF is better, NMB or CDX?

On 1-year performance, NMB leads with 8.43% vs -1.34% for CDX. On fees, CDX is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, NMB has been the lower-risk option at 1.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NMB or CDX?

Over the 1-year period, NMB has performed better with a 8.43% return vs -1.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NMB or CDX?

CDX is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for NMB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NMB or CDX?

CDX has the higher dividend yield at 8.32%, compared with 5.12% for NMB.

What is the main difference between NMB and CDX?

NMB is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while CDX is High Yield Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for NMB and 0.25% for CDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NMB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.25 vs -0.21), 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.