GHYIX vs. VWAHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GHYIX (Goldman Sachs High Yield Municipal Fund Institutional Class) and VWAHX (Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares) are both High Yield Muni funds. Over the past 10 years, GHYIX returned 3.54%/yr vs 2.92%/yr for VWAHX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GHYIX charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VWAHX.

Performance

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs High Yield Municipal Fund Institutional Class (GHYIX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GHYIX achieves a 2.62% return, which is significantly higher than VWAHX's 2.39% return. Over the past 10 years, GHYIX has outperformed VWAHX with an annualized return of 3.54%, while VWAHX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.92% annualized return.

GHYIX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.06%
• YTD: 2.62%
• 6M: 3.25%
• 1Y: 7.16%
• 3Y*: 5.08%
• 5Y*: 0.86%
• 10Y*: 3.54%

VWAHX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 2.39%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: 8.14%
• 3Y*: 5.29%
• 5Y*: 1.53%
• 10Y*: 2.92%

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

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GHYIX Goldman Sachs High Yield Municipal Fund Institutional Class	2.62%	3.92%	5.74%	7.34%	-14.79%	5.79%	4.96%	11.47%	4.97%	9.33%
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares	2.39%	4.96%	3.98%	8.39%	-11.76%	3.36%	5.39%	9.48%	1.31%	7.86%

Correlation

The correlation between GHYIX and VWAHX is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2001	0.78

The correlation between GHYIX and VWAHX shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (all time) to 0.92 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GHYIX vs. VWAHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GHYIX

GHYIX Risk / Return Rank: 59
GHYIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
GHYIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
GHYIX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
GHYIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
GHYIX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VWAHX

VWAHX Risk / Return Rank: 76
VWAHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VWAHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VWAHX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VWAHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VWAHX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs High Yield Municipal Fund Institutional Class (GHYIX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX). 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.

	GHYIX	VWAHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.60	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	4.20	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.67	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	2.75	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.48	9.98	-2.51

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GHYIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the VWAHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GHYIX and VWAHX, 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

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GHYIX drawdown since its inception was -35.88%, smaller than the maximum VWAHX drawdown of -40.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GHYIX and VWAHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GHYIX	VWAHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.88%	-40.26%	+4.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.05%	-3.05%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.35%	-7.12%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.82%	-17.32%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.82%	-17.32%	-2.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.09%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.60%	-6.92%	+2.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.98%	0.84%	+0.14%

Volatility

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs High Yield Municipal Fund Institutional Class (GHYIX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX) have volatilities of 0.93% and 0.90%, 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

	GHYIX	VWAHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.93%	0.90%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.47%	2.38%	+0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	3.23%	+0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.35%	4.80%	+0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.39%	4.64%	+0.75%

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GHYIX has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than VWAHX's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

GHYIX vs. VWAHX - Dividend Comparison

GHYIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.63%, more than VWAHX's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GHYIX Goldman Sachs High Yield Municipal Fund Institutional Class	4.63%	6.12%	4.38%	3.56%	3.04%	3.06%	3.44%	4.03%	4.12%	4.36%	4.81%	4.88%
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares	4.05%	4.95%	4.38%	3.53%	3.36%	2.98%	3.31%	3.94%	3.78%	3.68%	3.75%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GHYIX and VWAHX in my portfolio?

GHYIX and VWAHX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GHYIX or VWAHX?

GHYIX has higher volatility (0.93%) compared to VWAHX (0.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GHYIX dropped -35.88% vs VWAHX's -40.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWAHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 2.09), 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.