Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to track the performance of an index composed of short-term municipal bonds issued by U.S. states, territories, and political subdivisions, providing tax-exempt income with minimal interest rate risk. The fund invests primarily in investment-grade, tax-free municipal securities with maturities of one year or less; high-quality repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities; and variable rate demand obligations, emphasizing liquidity and capital preservation for income-focused investors. It targets individual and institutional investors seeking federally tax-exempt yield in a low-duration strategy, operating exclusively within the U.S. fixed-income market through listings on major exchanges.
Launched in 2024 under the management of Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc., with headquarters in New York, STAX benefits from Nomura's global expertise in fixed income and ETF structuring, though it functions as a standalone product without notable subsidiaries. In late 2024, the fund transitioned from its prior branding under Macquarie Asset Management to Nomura following a strategic rebranding and acquisition integration, enhancing its distribution through Nomura's extensive institutional networks. This shift aligns with Nomura's expansion in U.S. ETFs, including recent partnerships for municipal bond research and no major funding rounds or new product launches reported in 2025, maintaining focus on core short-term tax-free offerings amid stable operations.