STAX vs. VTES

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STAX (Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF) and VTES (Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares) are both Municipal Bonds funds. STAX is actively managed, while VTES is passively managed. Over the past year, STAX returned 3.87% vs 3.63% for VTES. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STAX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VTES.

Performance

STAX vs. VTES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES). 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 higher than VTES's 0.66% return.

STAX

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

VTES

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 3.63%
• 3Y*: 3.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STAX vs. VTES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	0.93%	4.12%	2.55%	1.45%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	0.66%	4.19%	1.85%	1.27%

Correlation

The correlation between STAX and VTES is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2023	0.72

The correlation between STAX and VTES has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STAX vs. VTES — 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

VTES

VTES Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VTES Omega Ratio Rank: 94
VTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VTES Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. VTES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES). 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	VTES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.86	2.94	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.16	4.26	+1.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.99	1.70	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	2.48	+1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.77	7.36	+4.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

STAX vs. VTES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STAX Sharpe Ratio is 3.86, which is higher than the VTES Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STAX and VTES, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STAX	VTES	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.86	2.94	+0.91
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.64	1.81	+0.83

Drawdowns

STAX vs. VTES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STAX drawdown since its inception was -1.42%, smaller than the maximum VTES drawdown of -2.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STAX and VTES.

Drawdown Indicators

	STAX	VTES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.42%	-2.42%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.05%	-1.47%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.80%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.62%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.23%	-0.50%	+0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	0.49%	-0.16%

Volatility

STAX vs. VTES - Volatility Comparison

Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares (VTES) have volatilities of 0.35% and 0.35%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STAX	VTES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.35%	0.35%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.79%	0.97%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.01%	1.24%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.38%	1.72%	-0.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.38%	1.72%	-0.34%

STAX vs. VTES - Expense Ratio Comparison

STAX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VTES's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

STAX vs. VTES - Dividend Comparison

STAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than VTES's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
STAX Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF	3.22%	3.16%	3.43%	0.00%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF Shares	2.75%	2.77%	2.99%	2.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STAX and VTES in my portfolio?

STAX and VTES have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STAX or VTES?

VTES has higher volatility (0.35%) compared to STAX (0.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STAX dropped -1.42% vs VTES's -2.42%.

Which ETF is better, STAX or VTES?

On 1-year performance, STAX leads with 3.87% vs 3.63% for VTES. On fees, VTES is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STAX or VTES?

Over the 1-year period, STAX has performed better with a 3.87% return vs 3.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STAX or VTES?

VTES is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for STAX.

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

STAX has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 2.75% for VTES.

What is the main difference between STAX and VTES?

They also come from different issuers: Macquarie and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for STAX and 0.07% for VTES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.86 vs 2.94), 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.