WSDB vs. TAXS

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

WSDB (Weitz Short Duration Bond ETF) and TAXS (Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WSDB is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Weitz, while TAXS is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the ICE Short Term Focused Municipal Bond Index. WSDB is actively managed, while TAXS is passively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WSDB charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TAXS.

Performance

WSDB vs. TAXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Weitz Short Duration Bond ETF (WSDB) and Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

WSDB

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 0.27%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TAXS

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.10%
• 6M: 0.77%
• YTD: 1.13%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WSDB vs. TAXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
WSDB Weitz Short Duration Bond ETF	0.68%
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between WSDB and TAXS is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2026	0.47

Return for Risk

WSDB vs. TAXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Weitz Short Duration Bond ETF (WSDB) and Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS). 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.

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

Drawdowns

WSDB vs. TAXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WSDB drawdown since its inception was -0.56%, smaller than the maximum TAXS drawdown of -0.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSDB and TAXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	WSDB	TAXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.56%	-0.84%	+0.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-0.10%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.15%	-0.21%	+0.06%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WSDB	TAXS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50%	0.97%	+0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.50%	0.97%	+0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.50%	0.97%	+0.53%

WSDB vs. TAXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

WSDB has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than TAXS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

WSDB vs. TAXS - Dividend Comparison

WSDB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than TAXS's 2.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
TAXS Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.03%	0.74%
WSDB Weitz Short Duration Bond ETF	0.80%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WSDB and TAXS in my portfolio?

WSDB and TAXS have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WSDB or TAXS?

On fees, TAXS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WSDB or TAXS?

TAXS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for WSDB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WSDB or TAXS?

TAXS has the higher dividend yield at 2.03%, compared with 0.80% for WSDB.

What is the main difference between WSDB and TAXS?

WSDB is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while TAXS is Municipal Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Weitz and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WSDB and 0.05% for TAXS.