TFI vs. RTAI

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TFI (SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond ETF) and RTAI (Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. TFI is passively managed, while RTAI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, TFI returned 0.03%/yr vs -0.71%/yr for RTAI. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TFI charges 0.23%/yr vs 3.78%/yr for RTAI.

Performance

TFI vs. RTAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond ETF (TFI) and Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TFI achieves a 1.48% return, which is significantly lower than RTAI's 3.87% return.

TFI

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 1.48%
• 6M: 1.48%
• 1Y: 6.35%
• 3Y*: 2.74%
• 5Y*: 0.03%
• 10Y*: 1.39%

RTAI

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 3.87%
• 6M: 4.71%
• 1Y: 11.53%
• 3Y*: 7.07%
• 5Y*: -0.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

TFI vs. RTAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
TFI SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond ETF	1.48%	3.62%	-0.01%	5.62%	-10.17%	0.25%	2.00%
RTAI Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF	3.87%	5.54%	7.17%	4.33%	-22.55%	10.62%	5.08%

Correlation

The correlation between TFI and RTAI is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2020	0.57

The correlation between TFI and RTAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TFI vs. RTAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

TFI

TFI Risk / Return Rank: 71
TFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
TFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
TFI Omega Ratio Rank: 88
TFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
TFI Martin Ratio Rank: 49

RTAI

RTAI Risk / Return Rank: 58
RTAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
RTAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
RTAI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
RTAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
RTAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

TFI vs. RTAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond ETF (TFI) and Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI). 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.

	TFI	RTAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.72	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	2.79	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.35	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	1.87	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.36	7.59	-0.23

TFI vs. RTAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TFI Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the RTAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TFI and RTAI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

TFI vs. RTAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TFI drawdown since its inception was -15.49%, smaller than the maximum RTAI drawdown of -34.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TFI and RTAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	TFI	RTAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.49%	-34.32%	+18.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.79%	-6.18%	+3.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.81%	-15.71%	+8.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.41%	-34.32%	+18.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-15.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	-6.36%	+5.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.96%	-13.76%	+10.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	1.52%	-0.66%

Volatility

TFI vs. RTAI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond ETF (TFI) is 0.76%, while Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI) has a volatility of 2.03%. This indicates that TFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RTAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TFI	RTAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.76%	2.03%	-1.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.16%	5.47%	-3.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.78%	6.71%	-3.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.31%	9.36%	-5.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.99%	9.03%	-4.04%

TFI vs. RTAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

TFI has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than RTAI's 3.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

TFI vs. RTAI - Dividend Comparison

TFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, less than RTAI's 4.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RTAI Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF	4.98%	5.66%	5.02%	3.07%	3.71%	4.73%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TFI SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond ETF	3.47%	3.32%	3.01%	2.41%	1.87%	1.71%	1.91%	2.14%	2.26%	2.16%	2.39%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TFI and RTAI in my portfolio?

TFI and RTAI have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TFI or RTAI?

RTAI has higher volatility (2.03%) compared to TFI (0.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TFI dropped -15.49% vs RTAI's -34.32%.

Which ETF is better, TFI or RTAI?

On 5-year performance, TFI leads with 0.03% vs -0.71% for RTAI. On fees, TFI is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, TFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TFI or RTAI?

Over the 5-year period, TFI has performed better with a 0.03% return vs -0.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TFI or RTAI?

TFI is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 3.78% for RTAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TFI or RTAI?

RTAI has the higher dividend yield at 4.98%, compared with 3.47% for TFI.

What is the main difference between TFI and RTAI?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Rareview Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for TFI and 3.78% for RTAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.72), 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.