XMPT vs. HTAX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XMPT (VanEck CEF Municipal Income ETF) and HTAX (Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF) are both High Yield Muni funds. XMPT is passively managed, while HTAX is actively managed. Over the past year, XMPT returned 12.67% vs 9.50% for HTAX. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XMPT charges 1.97%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for HTAX.

Performance

XMPT vs. HTAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck CEF Municipal Income ETF (XMPT) and Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HTAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XMPT achieves a 4.43% return, which is significantly higher than HTAX's 4.08% return.

XMPT

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 1.12%
• 6M: 3.25%
• YTD: 4.43%
• 1Y: 12.67%
• 3Y*: 7.14%
• 5Y*: -1.31%
• 10Y*: 2.14%

HTAX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.58%
• 6M: 3.30%
• YTD: 4.08%
• 1Y: 9.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XMPT vs. HTAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XMPT VanEck CEF Municipal Income ETF	4.43%	3.87%
HTAX Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF	4.08%	0.92%

Correlation

The correlation between XMPT and HTAX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

XMPT vs. HTAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

XMPT

XMPT Risk / Return Rank: 64
XMPT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
XMPT Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
XMPT Omega Ratio Rank: 75
XMPT Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
XMPT Martin Ratio Rank: 58

HTAX

HTAX Risk / Return Rank: 82
HTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
HTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
HTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 85
HTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
HTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

XMPT vs. HTAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck CEF Municipal Income ETF (XMPT) and Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HTAX). 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.

	XMPT	HTAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	2.04	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	3.05	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.40	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	3.11	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.07	13.18	-5.11

XMPT vs. HTAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XMPT Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the HTAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XMPT and HTAX, 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

XMPT vs. HTAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XMPT drawdown since its inception was -35.24%, which is greater than HTAX's maximum drawdown of -6.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XMPT and HTAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XMPT	HTAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.24%	-6.10%	-29.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	-3.06%	-3.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.08%	-0.98%	-6.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.81%	-1.65%	-7.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.57%	0.77%	+0.80%

Volatility

XMPT vs. HTAX - Volatility Comparison

VanEck CEF Municipal Income ETF (XMPT) has a higher volatility of 1.66% compared to Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HTAX) at 1.18%. This indicates that XMPT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HTAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XMPT	HTAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.66%	1.18%	+0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.12%	3.47%	+2.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.34%	4.67%	+2.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.38%	6.33%	+3.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.34%	6.33%	+4.01%

XMPT vs. HTAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XMPT has a 1.97% expense ratio, which is higher than HTAX's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

XMPT vs. HTAX - Dividend Comparison

XMPT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.25%, more than HTAX's 4.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HTAX Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF	4.53%	3.67%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XMPT VanEck CEF Municipal Income ETF	6.25%	5.87%	5.35%	3.81%	5.12%	3.74%	3.79%	4.08%	5.05%	4.84%	5.35%	5.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XMPT and HTAX in my portfolio?

XMPT and HTAX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XMPT or HTAX?

XMPT has higher volatility (1.66%) compared to HTAX (1.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XMPT dropped -35.24% vs HTAX's -6.10%.

Which ETF is better, XMPT or HTAX?

On 1-year performance, XMPT leads with 12.67% vs 9.50% for HTAX. On fees, HTAX is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, HTAX has been the lower-risk option at 1.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XMPT or HTAX?

Over the 1-year period, XMPT has performed better with a 12.67% return vs 9.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XMPT or HTAX?

HTAX is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 1.97% for XMPT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XMPT or HTAX?

XMPT has the higher dividend yield at 6.25%, compared with 4.53% for HTAX.

What is the main difference between XMPT and HTAX?

They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Nomura. Their fees differ too: 1.97% for XMPT and 0.49% for HTAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.74), 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.