FMUSX vs. BEARX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FMUSX (Federated Hermes Municipal Ultra Short Fund) and BEARX (Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd) are both mutual funds - FMUSX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Federated, while BEARX is a Inverse Equities fund managed by Federated. Over the past 10 years, FMUSX returned 1.64%/yr vs -14.72%/yr for BEARX. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FMUSX charges 0.36%/yr vs 1.78%/yr for BEARX.

Performance

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes Municipal Ultra Short Fund (FMUSX) and Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMUSX achieves a 0.72% return, which is significantly higher than BEARX's -7.65% return. Over the past 10 years, FMUSX has outperformed BEARX with an annualized return of 1.64%, while BEARX has yielded a comparatively lower -14.72% annualized return.

FMUSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 0.98%
• 1Y: 1.93%
• 3Y*: 3.05%
• 5Y*: 1.98%
• 10Y*: 1.64%

BEARX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: -7.65%
• 6M: -7.74%
• 1Y: -16.97%
• 3Y*: -15.79%
• 5Y*: -11.91%
• 10Y*: -14.72%

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

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FMUSX Federated Hermes Municipal Ultra Short Fund	0.72%	3.47%	3.02%	3.40%	-0.62%	0.05%	1.12%	2.27%	1.46%	1.16%
BEARX Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd	-7.65%	-12.42%	-20.34%	-18.67%	17.78%	-23.78%	-22.95%	-19.95%	-5.96%	-15.76%

Correlation

The correlation between FMUSX and BEARX is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.08
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2000	0.01

The correlation between FMUSX and BEARX shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (3 years) to 0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FMUSX vs. BEARX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMUSX

FMUSX Risk / Return Rank: 94
FMUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
FMUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
FMUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
FMUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FMUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

BEARX

BEARX Risk / Return Rank: 0
BEARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
BEARX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes Municipal Ultra Short Fund (FMUSX) and Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX). 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.

	FMUSX	BEARX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	-1.46	+3.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.89	-2.13	+8.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.48	0.74	+1.74
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.93	-0.96	+6.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	24.70	-1.77	+26.47

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMUSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is higher than the BEARX Sharpe Ratio of -1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMUSX and BEARX, 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

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMUSX drawdown since its inception was -2.49%, smaller than the maximum BEARX drawdown of -95.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMUSX and BEARX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMUSX	BEARX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.49%	-95.75%	+93.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.40%	-18.63%	+18.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.06%	-44.46%	+42.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-2.06%	-52.48%	+50.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-2.49%	-80.48%	+77.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-95.66%	+95.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.16%	-61.09%	+60.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.66%	11.03%	-10.37%

Volatility

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Federated Hermes Municipal Ultra Short Fund (FMUSX) is 0.34%, while Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd (BEARX) has a volatility of 5.28%. This indicates that FMUSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BEARX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FMUSX	BEARX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.34%	5.28%	-4.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.71%	9.97%	-9.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97%	12.28%	-11.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.91%	17.09%	-15.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.46%	16.75%	-15.29%

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMUSX has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than BEARX's 1.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMUSX vs. BEARX - Dividend Comparison

FMUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, less than BEARX's 7.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BEARX Federated Hermes Prudent Bear Fd	7.27%	6.71%	0.00%	13.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FMUSX Federated Hermes Municipal Ultra Short Fund	1.71%	3.10%	2.67%	2.42%	0.88%	0.25%	0.90%	1.74%	1.55%	1.05%	0.83%	0.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMUSX and BEARX in my portfolio?

FMUSX and BEARX have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMUSX or BEARX?

BEARX has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to FMUSX (0.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMUSX dropped -2.49% vs BEARX's -95.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMUSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs -1.46), 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.