FHMIX vs. VTEAX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FHMIX (Federated Hermes Conservative Municipal Microshort Fund) and VTEAX (Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, FHMIX returned 1.18%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for VTEAX. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FHMIX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VTEAX.

Performance

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes Conservative Municipal Microshort Fund (FHMIX) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTEAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FHMIX achieves a 1.33% return, which is significantly lower than VTEAX's 1.63% return.

FHMIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.22%
• 6M: 1.23%
• YTD: 1.33%
• 1Y: 2.82%
• 3Y*: 1.97%
• 5Y*: 1.18%
• 10Y*: —

VTEAX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.03%
• 6M: 0.98%
• YTD: 1.63%
• 1Y: 6.86%
• 3Y*: 3.43%
• 5Y*: 0.85%
• 10Y*: 2.04%

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

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FHMIX Federated Hermes Conservative Municipal Microshort Fund	1.33%	3.09%	1.19%	0.32%	0.00%	0.02%
VTEAX Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.63%	3.67%	1.63%	6.39%	-8.21%	0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between FHMIX and VTEAX is 0.02, 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	0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.09
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 25, 2021	0.07

Return for Risk

FHMIX vs. VTEAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FHMIX

FHMIX Risk / Return Rank: 99
FHMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FHMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
FHMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 100
FHMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
FHMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

VTEAX

VTEAX Risk / Return Rank: 81
VTEAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
VTEAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VTEAX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
VTEAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VTEAX 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.

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes Conservative Municipal Microshort Fund (FHMIX) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTEAX). 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.

	FHMIX	VTEAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.24	2.81	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	12.50	4.12	+8.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	6.58	1.70	+4.88
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	28.37	2.49	+25.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	86.50	8.78	+77.72

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FHMIX Sharpe Ratio is 3.24, which is comparable to the VTEAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FHMIX and VTEAX, 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

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FHMIX drawdown since its inception was -0.50%, smaller than the maximum VTEAX drawdown of -12.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FHMIX and VTEAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FHMIX	VTEAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.50%	-12.75%	+12.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.10%	-2.65%	+2.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.50%	-5.46%	+4.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-0.50%	-12.75%	+12.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-12.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.54%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.06%	-2.24%	+2.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.03%	0.75%	-0.72%

Volatility

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Federated Hermes Conservative Municipal Microshort Fund (FHMIX) is 0.22%, while Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTEAX) has a volatility of 0.46%. This indicates that FHMIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTEAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FHMIX	VTEAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.22%	0.46%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.54%	1.87%	-1.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88%	2.36%	-1.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.80%	3.61%	-2.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.78%	3.66%	-2.88%

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FHMIX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VTEAX's 0.07% 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

FHMIX vs. VTEAX - Dividend Comparison

FHMIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, less than VTEAX's 3.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FHMIX Federated Hermes Conservative Municipal Microshort Fund	2.78%	3.04%	1.18%	0.32%	0.00%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTEAX Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.33%	3.26%	3.36%	2.98%	2.05%	1.60%	1.97%	2.27%	2.24%	1.95%	1.67%	0.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FHMIX and VTEAX in my portfolio?

FHMIX and VTEAX have a correlation of 0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FHMIX or VTEAX?

VTEAX has higher volatility (0.46%) compared to FHMIX (0.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FHMIX dropped -0.50% vs VTEAX's -12.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FHMIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.23 vs 2.81), 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.