VTEL vs. AUSM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VTEL (Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) and AUSM (Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. VTEL is passively managed, while AUSM is actively managed. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VTEL charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AUSM.

Performance

VTEL vs. AUSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEL) 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, VTEL achieves a 2.36% return, which is significantly higher than AUSM's 0.98% return.

VTEL

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 2.36%
• 6M: 2.43%
• 1Y: 8.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AUSM

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.16%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTEL vs. AUSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTEL Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.36%	5.70%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	0.98%	1.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VTEL and AUSM is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.07

Return for Risk

VTEL vs. AUSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTEL

VTEL Risk / Return Rank: 75
VTEL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VTEL Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VTEL Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VTEL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VTEL Martin Ratio Rank: 60

AUSM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

VTEL vs. AUSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEL) 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.

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.

	VTEL	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.37	—	—

Drawdowns

VTEL vs. AUSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTEL drawdown since its inception was -3.22%, which is greater than AUSM's maximum drawdown of -0.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTEL and AUSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTEL	AUSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.22%	-0.42%	-2.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.23%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.57%	-0.09%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.90%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTEL	AUSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.98%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.68%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.72%	0.78%	+2.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.73%	0.78%	+2.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.73%	0.78%	+2.95%

VTEL vs. AUSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTEL has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than AUSM's 0.18% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTEL vs. AUSM - Dividend Comparison

VTEL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.79%, more than AUSM's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	2.39%	1.26%
VTEL Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.79%	2.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTEL and AUSM in my portfolio?

VTEL and AUSM have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VTEL or AUSM?

On fees, VTEL is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTEL or AUSM?

VTEL is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for AUSM.

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

VTEL has the higher dividend yield at 3.79%, compared with 2.39% for AUSM.

What is the main difference between VTEL and AUSM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VTEL and 0.18% for AUSM.