VTEL vs. MEAR

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VTEL (Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) and MEAR (iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. VTEL is passively managed, while MEAR is actively managed. Over the past year, VTEL returned 8.64% vs 3.35% for MEAR. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VTEL charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for MEAR.

Performance

VTEL vs. MEAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEL) and iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTEL achieves a 1.88% return, which is significantly higher than MEAR's 1.06% return.

VTEL

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 1.88%
• 6M: 2.25%
• 1Y: 8.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEAR

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 1.06%
• 6M: 1.32%
• 1Y: 3.35%
• 3Y*: 3.58%
• 5Y*: 2.42%
• 10Y*: 1.78%

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

VTEL vs. MEAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTEL Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.88%	6.66%
MEAR iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF	1.06%	2.47%

Correlation

The correlation between VTEL and MEAR is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2025	0.30

Return for Risk

VTEL vs. MEAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTEL

VTEL Risk / Return Rank: 66
VTEL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VTEL Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VTEL Omega Ratio Rank: 79
VTEL Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VTEL Martin Ratio Rank: 53

MEAR

MEAR Risk / Return Rank: 95
MEAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
MEAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
MEAR Omega Ratio Rank: 97
MEAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
MEAR Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. MEAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEL) and iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR). 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.

	VTEL	MEAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	3.93	-1.60
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	6.30	-2.81
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.93	-0.44
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	7.07	-4.49
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.23	29.07	-19.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTEL vs. MEAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTEL Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is lower than the MEAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTEL and MEAR, 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

	VTEL	MEAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	3.93	-1.60
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	2.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.18	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.26	1.11	+1.14

Drawdowns

VTEL vs. MEAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTEL drawdown since its inception was -3.22%, which is greater than MEAR's maximum drawdown of -2.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTEL and MEAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTEL	MEAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.22%	-2.68%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.22%	-0.47%	-2.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.86%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-1.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-2.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	0.00%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.59%	-0.19%	-0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.90%	0.11%	+0.79%

Volatility

VTEL vs. MEAR - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEL) has a higher volatility of 1.26% compared to iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR) at 0.24%. This indicates that VTEL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MEAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTEL	MEAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.26%	0.24%	+1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.64%	0.61%	+2.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.75%	0.86%	+2.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.77%	0.98%	+2.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.77%	1.52%	+2.25%

VTEL vs. MEAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTEL has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than MEAR's 0.25% 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. MEAR - Dividend Comparison

VTEL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.81%, more than MEAR's 2.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MEAR iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF	2.84%	2.95%	3.44%	3.30%	0.88%	0.30%	0.90%	1.57%	1.36%	1.01%	0.81%	0.53%
VTEL Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.81%	2.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTEL and MEAR in my portfolio?

VTEL and MEAR have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTEL or MEAR?

VTEL has higher volatility (1.26%) compared to MEAR (0.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTEL dropped -3.22% vs MEAR's -2.68%.

Which ETF is better, VTEL or MEAR?

On 1-year performance, VTEL leads with 8.64% vs 3.35% for MEAR. On fees, VTEL is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, MEAR has been the lower-risk option at 0.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTEL or MEAR?

Over the 1-year period, VTEL has performed better with a 8.64% return vs 3.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTEL or MEAR?

VTEL is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for MEAR.

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

VTEL has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 2.84% for MEAR.

What is the main difference between VTEL and MEAR?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VTEL and 0.25% for MEAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.92 vs 2.32), 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.