BATVX vs. LSMSX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

BATVX (BlackRock Allocation Target Shares) and LSMSX (Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, BATVX returned 1.51%/yr vs 1.17%/yr for LSMSX. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BATVX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LSMSX.

Performance

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Allocation Target Shares (BATVX) and Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BATVX achieves a 0.97% return, which is significantly lower than LSMSX's 2.18% return.

BATVX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.97%
• 6M: 1.22%
• 1Y: 2.58%
• 3Y*: 2.47%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: —

LSMSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 2.18%
• 6M: 2.48%
• 1Y: 8.19%
• 3Y*: 4.03%
• 5Y*: 1.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BATVX BlackRock Allocation Target Shares	0.97%	2.80%	2.48%	1.41%	-0.10%	0.00%
LSMSX Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund	2.18%	3.22%	2.22%	7.96%	-10.03%	1.66%

Correlation

The correlation between BATVX and LSMSX is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2021	0.06

Return for Risk

BATVX vs. LSMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LSMSX

LSMSX Risk / Return Rank: 77
LSMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
LSMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
LSMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
LSMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
LSMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Allocation Target Shares (BATVX) and Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX). 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.

	BATVX	LSMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.57	2.89	+0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.50	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.71	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.91	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.80	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BATVX Sharpe Ratio is 3.57, which is comparable to the LSMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BATVX and LSMSX, 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

	BATVX	LSMSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.57	2.89	+0.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	2.38	0.26	+2.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.38	0.63	+1.74

Drawdowns

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BATVX drawdown since its inception was -0.20%, smaller than the maximum LSMSX drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BATVX and LSMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BATVX	LSMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.20%	-15.00%	+14.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	0.00%	-2.82%	+2.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.10%	-7.49%	+7.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-0.20%	-15.00%	+14.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.23%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.03%	-2.85%	+2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.00%	0.84%	-0.84%

Volatility

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BlackRock Allocation Target Shares (BATVX) is 0.20%, while Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX) has a volatility of 1.19%. This indicates that BATVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LSMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BATVX	LSMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.20%	1.19%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.49%	2.06%	-1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73%	2.86%	-2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.64%	4.48%	-3.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.63%	4.51%	-3.88%

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BATVX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than LSMSX's 0.01% 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

BATVX vs. LSMSX - Dividend Comparison

BATVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.55%, less than LSMSX's 3.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BATVX BlackRock Allocation Target Shares	2.55%	2.76%	2.44%	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
LSMSX Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund	3.86%	3.83%	4.30%	3.37%	2.38%	2.73%	2.33%	2.55%	2.34%	0.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BATVX and LSMSX in my portfolio?

BATVX and LSMSX have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BATVX or LSMSX?

LSMSX has higher volatility (1.19%) compared to BATVX (0.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BATVX dropped -0.20% vs LSMSX's -15.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BATVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.57 vs 2.88), 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.