FEPIX vs. WATFX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FEPIX (Fidelity Total Bond Fund) and WATFX (Western Asset Core Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - FEPIX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Fidelity, while WATFX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, FEPIX returned 2.34%/yr vs 1.54%/yr for WATFX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FEPIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for WATFX.

Performance

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FEPIX) and Western Asset Core Bond Fund (WATFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEPIX achieves a 0.44% return, which is significantly higher than WATFX's 0.02% return. Over the past 10 years, FEPIX has outperformed WATFX with an annualized return of 2.34%, while WATFX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.54% annualized return.

FEPIX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 0.44%
• 6M: 0.48%
• 1Y: 5.59%
• 3Y*: 4.52%
• 5Y*: 0.52%
• 10Y*: 2.34%

WATFX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 0.02%
• 6M: 0.11%
• 1Y: 5.58%
• 3Y*: 3.69%
• 5Y*: -0.94%
• 10Y*: 1.54%

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

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FEPIX Fidelity Total Bond Fund	0.44%	7.45%	1.71%	6.79%	-13.55%	-0.46%	9.29%	9.83%	-0.82%	4.24%
WATFX Western Asset Core Bond Fund	0.02%	8.01%	0.44%	5.52%	-17.32%	-2.13%	9.12%	10.44%	-0.62%	5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FEPIX and WATFX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2004	0.89

The correlation between FEPIX and WATFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FEPIX vs. WATFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEPIX

FEPIX Risk / Return Rank: 23
FEPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
FEPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
FEPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FEPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FEPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

WATFX

WATFX Risk / Return Rank: 21
WATFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
WATFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
WATFX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
WATFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
WATFX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FEPIX) and Western Asset Core Bond Fund (WATFX). 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.

	FEPIX	WATFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.28	+0.09
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	1.92	+0.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.23	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	1.93	+0.09
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.05	5.76	+0.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the WATFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEPIX and WATFX, 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

	FEPIX	WATFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	1.28	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09	-0.14	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.28	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	0.56	+0.34

Drawdowns

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEPIX drawdown since its inception was -18.40%, smaller than the maximum WATFX drawdown of -23.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEPIX and WATFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEPIX	WATFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.40%	-23.69%	+5.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.91%	-3.04%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.85%	-8.35%	+2.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.40%	-23.26%	+4.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.40%	-23.69%	+5.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-7.35%	+5.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.47%	-2.98%	+0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	1.02%	-0.05%

Volatility

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FEPIX) and Western Asset Core Bond Fund (WATFX) have volatilities of 1.35% and 1.42%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEPIX	WATFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.35%	1.42%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.79%	2.87%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.93%	4.14%	-0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.67%	6.83%	-1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.73%	5.54%	-0.81%

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEPIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than WATFX's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEPIX vs. WATFX - Dividend Comparison

FEPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.31%, more than WATFX's 3.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEPIX Fidelity Total Bond Fund	4.31%	4.31%	3.74%	3.74%	2.49%	1.87%	5.17%	2.97%	3.14%	2.92%	3.55%	3.25%
WATFX Western Asset Core Bond Fund	3.93%	4.15%	4.48%	3.35%	2.39%	2.05%	3.90%	3.62%	2.92%	2.34%	2.51%	2.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEPIX and WATFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FEPIX and WATFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FEPIX or WATFX?

WATFX has higher volatility (1.42%) compared to FEPIX (1.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEPIX dropped -18.40% vs WATFX's -23.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.28), 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.