SCNM vs. TAXS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SCNM (Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. SCNM is actively managed, while TAXS is passively managed. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCNM charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

SCNM vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) 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, SCNM achieves a 1.26% return, which is significantly higher than TAXS's 0.99% return.

SCNM

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 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)

SCNM vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SCNM Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF	1.26%	0.01%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.99%	0.26%

Correlation

The correlation between SCNM and TAXS is 0.55, 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 12, 2025	0.55

Return for Risk

SCNM vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCNM	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	2.85	-2.01

Drawdowns

SCNM vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCNM drawdown since its inception was -2.81%, which is greater than TAXS's maximum drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCNM and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCNM	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.81%	-0.84%	-1.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.03%	-0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.83%	-0.24%	-0.59%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SCNM	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.26%	1.00%	+2.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.26%	1.00%	+2.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.26%	1.00%	+2.26%

SCNM vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCNM has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCNM vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

SCNM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, less than TAXS's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
SCNM Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF	1.50%	0.23%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.82%	0.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCNM and TAXS in my portfolio?

SCNM and TAXS have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SCNM 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, SCNM or TAXS?

TAXS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SCNM.

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

TAXS has the higher dividend yield at 1.82%, compared with 1.50% for SCNM.

What is the main difference between SCNM and TAXS?

They also come from different issuers: Sterling Capital and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SCNM and 0.05% for TAXS.