STAX vs. AUSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STAX (Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF) and AUSM (Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. STAX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AUSM.

Performance

STAX vs. AUSM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STAX achieves a 0.93% return, which is significantly lower than AUSM's 0.98% return.

STAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 0.93%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 3.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AUSM

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STAX vs. AUSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	0.93%	2.01%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	0.98%	1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between STAX and AUSM is 0.21, 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 Jul 9, 2025	0.21

Return for Risk

STAX vs. AUSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

STAX

STAX Risk / Return Rank: 86
STAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
STAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
STAX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
STAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
STAX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

STAX vs. AUSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM). 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.

	STAX	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.86	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.16	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.99	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.77	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STAX	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.86	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.64	3.98	-1.34

Drawdowns

STAX vs. AUSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STAX drawdown since its inception was -1.42%, which is greater than AUSM's maximum drawdown of -0.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STAX and AUSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	STAX	AUSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.42%	-0.42%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.02%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.23%	-0.09%	-0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STAX	AUSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.35%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.79%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.01%	0.73%	+0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.38%	0.73%	+0.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.38%	0.73%	+0.65%

STAX vs. AUSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

STAX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than AUSM's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

STAX vs. AUSM - Dividend Comparison

STAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than AUSM's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	2.39%	1.26%	0.00%
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	3.22%	3.16%	3.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STAX and AUSM in my portfolio?

STAX and AUSM have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, STAX or AUSM?

On fees, AUSM is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STAX or AUSM?

AUSM is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for STAX.

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

STAX has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 2.39% for AUSM.

What is the main difference between STAX and AUSM?

They also come from different issuers: Macquarie and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for STAX and 0.18% for AUSM.