ZTAX vs. RTAI

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ZTAX (X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF) and RTAI (Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, ZTAX returned 4.27%/yr vs 7.07%/yr for RTAI. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ZTAX charges 1.14%/yr vs 3.78%/yr for RTAI.

Performance

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF (ZTAX) and Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZTAX achieves a 1.66% return, which is significantly lower than RTAI's 3.87% return.

ZTAX

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 1.66%
• 6M: 2.86%
• 1Y: 6.26%
• 3Y*: 4.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RTAI

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 3.87%
• 6M: 4.71%
• 1Y: 11.53%
• 3Y*: 7.07%
• 5Y*: -0.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ZTAX X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF	1.66%	-1.02%	7.98%	3.74%
RTAI Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF	3.87%	5.54%	7.17%	5.36%

Correlation

The correlation between ZTAX and RTAI 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2023	0.03

The correlation between ZTAX and RTAI shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (1 year) to 0.03 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ZTAX vs. RTAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZTAX

ZTAX Risk / Return Rank: 14
ZTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
ZTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
ZTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
ZTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
ZTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

RTAI

RTAI Risk / Return Rank: 58
RTAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
RTAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
RTAI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
RTAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
RTAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF (ZTAX) and Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI). 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.

	ZTAX	RTAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	1.72	-1.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.52	2.79	-2.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.35	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	1.87	-1.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.37	7.59	-6.22

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZTAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.19, which is lower than the RTAI Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZTAX and RTAI, 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

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZTAX drawdown since its inception was -15.33%, smaller than the maximum RTAI drawdown of -34.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZTAX and RTAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZTAX	RTAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.33%	-34.32%	+18.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.99%	-6.18%	-4.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.33%	-15.71%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.74%	-6.36%	-4.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.82%	-13.76%	+6.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.57%	1.52%	+3.05%

Volatility

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Volatility Comparison

X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF (ZTAX) has a higher volatility of 19.64% compared to Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI) at 2.03%. This indicates that ZTAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RTAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZTAX	RTAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.64%	2.03%	+17.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.28%	5.47%	+22.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.32%	6.71%	+25.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.90%	9.36%	+19.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.90%	9.03%	+19.87%

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZTAX has a 1.14% expense ratio, which is lower than RTAI's 3.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZTAX vs. RTAI - Dividend Comparison

ZTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.50%, less than RTAI's 4.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
RTAI Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF	4.98%	5.66%	5.02%	3.07%	3.71%	4.73%	0.48%
ZTAX X-Square Municipal Income Tax Free ETF	4.50%	4.58%	4.55%	2.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZTAX and RTAI in my portfolio?

ZTAX and RTAI 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 is riskier, ZTAX or RTAI?

ZTAX has higher volatility (19.64%) compared to RTAI (2.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZTAX dropped -15.33% vs RTAI's -34.32%.

Which ETF is better, ZTAX or RTAI?

On 3-year performance, RTAI leads with 7.07% vs 4.27% for ZTAX. On fees, ZTAX is cheaper at 1.14% per year. On volatility, RTAI has been the lower-risk option at 2.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZTAX or RTAI?

Over the 3-year period, RTAI has performed better with a 7.07% return vs 4.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZTAX or RTAI?

ZTAX is cheaper with a 1.14% expense ratio, compared with 3.78% for RTAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZTAX or RTAI?

RTAI has the higher dividend yield at 4.98%, compared with 4.50% for ZTAX.

What is the main difference between ZTAX and RTAI?

They also come from different issuers: X-Square and Rareview Funds. Their fees differ too: 1.14% for ZTAX and 3.78% for RTAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RTAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 0.19), 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.