TAFI vs. VTEB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

TAFI (AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF) and VTEB (Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. TAFI is actively managed, while VTEB is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TAFI returned 3.68%/yr vs 3.59%/yr for VTEB. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TAFI charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VTEB.

Performance

TAFI vs. VTEB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAFI) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TAFI achieves a 1.11% return, which is significantly lower than VTEB's 1.52% return.

TAFI

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: 1.46%
• 1Y: 4.14%
• 3Y*: 3.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTEB

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 1.52%
• 6M: 1.95%
• 1Y: 7.14%
• 3Y*: 3.59%
• 5Y*: 0.93%
• 10Y*: 2.10%

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

TAFI vs. VTEB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TAFI AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF	1.11%	4.35%	2.48%	4.10%	0.54%
VTEB Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.52%	3.72%	1.31%	6.15%	1.48%

Correlation

The correlation between TAFI and VTEB is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2022	0.64

The correlation between TAFI and VTEB shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.64 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

TAFI vs. VTEB — Risk / Return Rank

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

TAFI

TAFI Risk / Return Rank: 80
TAFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
TAFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
TAFI Omega Ratio Rank: 91
TAFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
TAFI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VTEB

VTEB Risk / Return Rank: 72
VTEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VTEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VTEB Omega Ratio Rank: 89
VTEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VTEB Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

TAFI vs. VTEB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAFI) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB). 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.

	TAFI	VTEB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.84	2.64	+0.20
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.57	3.92	+0.65
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.58	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	2.58	+0.74
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.99	9.21	+2.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TAFI vs. VTEB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TAFI Sharpe Ratio is 2.84, which is comparable to the VTEB Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TAFI and VTEB, 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

	TAFI	VTEB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.84	2.64	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.72	0.48	+1.24

Drawdowns

TAFI vs. VTEB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TAFI drawdown since its inception was -2.00%, smaller than the maximum VTEB drawdown of -17.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TAFI and VTEB.

Drawdown Indicators

	TAFI	VTEB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.00%	-17.00%	+15.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.21%	-2.71%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.87%	-5.53%	+3.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-12.64%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-17.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.46%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.38%	-2.33%	+1.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.34%	0.76%	-0.42%

Volatility

TAFI vs. VTEB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAFI) is 0.46%, while Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) has a volatility of 0.90%. This indicates that TAFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTEB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TAFI	VTEB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.46%	0.90%	-0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.95%	2.03%	-1.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.47%	2.72%	-1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.98%	3.90%	-1.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.98%	5.26%	-3.28%

TAFI vs. VTEB - Expense Ratio Comparison

TAFI has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than VTEB's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

TAFI vs. VTEB - Dividend Comparison

TAFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.15%, less than VTEB's 3.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TAFI AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF	3.15%	3.21%	3.34%	3.27%	0.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTEB Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.35%	3.29%	3.14%	2.79%	2.09%	1.64%	1.99%	2.30%	2.25%	1.96%	1.66%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TAFI and VTEB in my portfolio?

TAFI and VTEB have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TAFI or VTEB?

VTEB has higher volatility (0.90%) compared to TAFI (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TAFI dropped -2.00% vs VTEB's -17.00%.

Which ETF is better, TAFI or VTEB?

On 3-year performance, TAFI leads with 3.68% vs 3.59% for VTEB. On fees, VTEB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, TAFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TAFI or VTEB?

Over the 3-year period, TAFI has performed better with a 3.68% return vs 3.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TAFI or VTEB?

VTEB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for TAFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TAFI or VTEB?

VTEB has the higher dividend yield at 3.35%, compared with 3.15% for TAFI.

What is the main difference between TAFI and VTEB?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for TAFI and 0.05% for VTEB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TAFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 vs 2.64), 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.