EIMAX vs. ECHIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EIMAX (Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Fund) and ECHIX (Eaton Vance High Income Opportunities Fund) are both mutual funds - EIMAX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Eaton Vance, while ECHIX is a High Yield Bonds fund managed by Eaton Vance. Over the past 10 years, EIMAX returned 1.46%/yr vs 5.54%/yr for ECHIX. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EIMAX charges 0.48%/yr vs 1.65%/yr for ECHIX.

Performance

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Fund (EIMAX) and Eaton Vance High Income Opportunities Fund (ECHIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EIMAX achieves a 1.63% return, which is significantly higher than ECHIX's 0.84% return. Over the past 10 years, EIMAX has underperformed ECHIX with an annualized return of 1.46%, while ECHIX has yielded a comparatively higher 5.54% annualized return.

EIMAX

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 1.63%
• 6M: 2.07%
• 1Y: 6.84%
• 3Y*: 3.24%
• 5Y*: 0.38%
• 10Y*: 1.46%

ECHIX

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 0.70%
• YTD: 0.84%
• 6M: 1.52%
• 1Y: 5.05%
• 3Y*: 6.81%
• 5Y*: 3.60%
• 10Y*: 5.54%

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

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EIMAX Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Fund	1.63%	3.76%	1.37%	5.06%	-9.61%	0.57%	4.60%	7.01%	0.65%	4.67%
ECHIX Eaton Vance High Income Opportunities Fund	0.84%	7.33%	6.12%	9.85%	-8.06%	6.43%	3.83%	24.14%	-4.02%	5.54%

Correlation

The correlation between EIMAX and ECHIX is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 8, 1994	0.15

Over the past year, EIMAX and ECHIX have become more correlated (0.43) than their long-term average of 0.15, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

EIMAX vs. ECHIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EIMAX

EIMAX Risk / Return Rank: 70
EIMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
EIMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
EIMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
EIMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
EIMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

ECHIX

ECHIX Risk / Return Rank: 47
ECHIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
ECHIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
ECHIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
ECHIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
ECHIX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Fund (EIMAX) and Eaton Vance High Income Opportunities Fund (ECHIX). 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.

	EIMAX	ECHIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.44	1.65	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.95	2.66	+1.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.40	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	2.07	+0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.55	10.50	-1.95

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EIMAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.44, which is higher than the ECHIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EIMAX and ECHIX, 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

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EIMAX drawdown since its inception was -29.25%, smaller than the maximum ECHIX drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EIMAX and ECHIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EIMAX	ECHIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.25%	-43.51%	+14.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.77%	-2.57%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.83%	-3.78%	-3.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.67%	-12.47%	-2.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.67%	-22.88%	+8.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.36%	-0.24%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.90%	-4.52%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	0.51%	+0.31%

Volatility

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Fund (EIMAX) is 0.83%, while Eaton Vance High Income Opportunities Fund (ECHIX) has a volatility of 1.00%. This indicates that EIMAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ECHIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EIMAX	ECHIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.83%	1.00%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.09%	2.58%	-0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.88%	3.23%	-0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.38%	4.93%	-0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.21%	6.38%	-2.17%

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EIMAX has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than ECHIX's 1.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

EIMAX vs. ECHIX - Dividend Comparison

EIMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%, less than ECHIX's 5.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECHIX Eaton Vance High Income Opportunities Fund	5.44%	5.37%	4.96%	4.11%	4.71%	4.18%	4.61%	13.45%	4.91%	4.51%	4.76%	5.51%
EIMAX Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Fund	3.60%	4.52%	4.15%	2.39%	2.62%	2.01%	2.58%	3.46%	3.27%	3.41%	3.65%	3.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EIMAX and ECHIX in my portfolio?

EIMAX and ECHIX have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EIMAX or ECHIX?

ECHIX has higher volatility (1.00%) compared to EIMAX (0.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EIMAX dropped -29.25% vs ECHIX's -43.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EIMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.65), 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.