VSDM vs. TAXX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VSDM (Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) and TAXX (Bondbloxx IR+M Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VSDM returned 4.92% vs 3.92% for TAXX. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSDM charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for TAXX.

Performance

VSDM vs. TAXX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSDM achieves a 1.29% return, which is significantly higher than TAXX's 1.11% return.

VSDM

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 1.29%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 4.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: 1.41%
• 1Y: 3.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSDM vs. TAXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VSDM Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.29%	5.39%	-0.15%
TAXX Bondbloxx IR+M Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF	1.11%	4.52%	0.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VSDM and TAXX is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 22, 2024	0.42

Return for Risk

VSDM vs. TAXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSDM

VSDM Risk / Return Rank: 84
VSDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
VSDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
VSDM Omega Ratio Rank: 97
VSDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VSDM Martin Ratio Rank: 66

TAXX

TAXX Risk / Return Rank: 80
TAXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
TAXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
TAXX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
TAXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
TAXX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

VSDM vs. TAXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VSDM) and Bondbloxx IR+M Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAXX). 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.

	VSDM	TAXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.64	2.33	+1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.29	3.44	+1.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.91	1.59	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	4.45	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.92	13.54	-1.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSDM vs. TAXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSDM Sharpe Ratio is 3.64, which is higher than the TAXX Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSDM and TAXX, 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

	VSDM	TAXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.64	2.33	+1.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.21	2.60	-0.40

Drawdowns

VSDM vs. TAXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSDM drawdown since its inception was -1.81%, which is greater than TAXX's maximum drawdown of -0.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSDM and TAXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSDM	TAXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.81%	-0.91%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.46%	-0.88%	-0.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	0.00%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.32%	-0.17%	-0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	0.29%	+0.12%

Volatility

VSDM vs. TAXX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VSDM) has a higher volatility of 0.44% compared to Bondbloxx IR+M Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAXX) at 0.34%. This indicates that VSDM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TAXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSDM	TAXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.44%	0.34%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.07%	0.84%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.36%	1.69%	-0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.95%	1.59%	+0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.95%	1.59%	+0.36%

VSDM vs. TAXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSDM has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than TAXX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSDM vs. TAXX - Dividend Comparison

VSDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.10%, less than TAXX's 3.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
TAXX Bondbloxx IR+M Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF	3.50%	3.72%	2.70%
VSDM Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.10%	3.06%	0.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSDM and TAXX in my portfolio?

VSDM and TAXX have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSDM or TAXX?

VSDM has higher volatility (0.44%) compared to TAXX (0.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSDM dropped -1.81% vs TAXX's -0.91%.

Which ETF is better, VSDM or TAXX?

On 1-year performance, VSDM leads with 4.92% vs 3.92% for TAXX. On fees, VSDM is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, TAXX has been the lower-risk option at 0.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSDM or TAXX?

Over the 1-year period, VSDM has performed better with a 4.92% return vs 3.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSDM or TAXX?

VSDM is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for TAXX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSDM or TAXX?

TAXX has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 3.10% for VSDM.

What is the main difference between VSDM and TAXX?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and BondBloxx. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VSDM and 0.35% for TAXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.64 vs 2.33), 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.