SDCP vs. TAXS

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SDCP (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDCP is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Virtus, while TAXS is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the ICE Short Term Focused Municipal Bond Index. SDCP is actively managed, while TAXS is passively managed. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDCP charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

SDCP vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) 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, SDCP achieves a 1.41% return, which is significantly higher than TAXS's 1.13% return.

SDCP

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.11%
• 6M: 1.29%
• YTD: 1.41%
• 1Y: 3.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.12%
• 6M: 0.84%
• YTD: 1.13%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDCP vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SDCP Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF	1.41%	1.62%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.13%	1.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SDCP and TAXS is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 19, 2025	0.42

Return for Risk

SDCP vs. TAXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDCP

SDCP Risk / Return Rank: 94
SDCP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
SDCP Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
SDCP Omega Ratio Rank: 96
SDCP Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
SDCP Martin Ratio Rank: 92

TAXS

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

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.

SDCP vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) 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.

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.

	SDCP	TAXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.76	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.71	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.80	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.15	—	—

Drawdowns

SDCP vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDCP drawdown since its inception was -1.00%, which is greater than TAXS's maximum drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDCP and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDCP	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.00%	-0.84%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.10%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-0.21%	+0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.22%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SDCP	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.30%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.79%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.31%	0.98%	+0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.01%	0.98%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.01%	0.98%	+1.03%

SDCP vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SDCP vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

SDCP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.21%, more than TAXS's 2.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SDCP Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF	5.21%	5.16%	5.25%	0.59%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.03%	0.74%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDCP and TAXS in my portfolio?

SDCP and TAXS have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SDCP 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, SDCP or TAXS?

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

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

SDCP has the higher dividend yield at 5.21%, compared with 2.03% for TAXS.

What is the main difference between SDCP and TAXS?

SDCP is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while TAXS is Municipal Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SDCP and 0.05% for TAXS.