HIMYX vs. VWALX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

HIMYX (Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund) and VWALX (Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares) are both High Yield Muni funds. Over the past 10 years, HIMYX returned 2.15%/yr vs 3.01%/yr for VWALX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HIMYX charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VWALX.

Performance

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund (HIMYX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HIMYX achieves a 1.33% return, which is significantly lower than VWALX's 2.43% return. Over the past 10 years, HIMYX has underperformed VWALX with an annualized return of 2.15%, while VWALX has yielded a comparatively higher 3.01% annualized return.

HIMYX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 1.33%
• 6M: 2.03%
• 1Y: 2.42%
• 3Y*: 2.51%
• 5Y*: -0.49%
• 10Y*: 2.15%

VWALX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 2.43%
• 6M: 2.88%
• 1Y: 8.44%
• 3Y*: 5.38%
• 5Y*: 1.62%
• 10Y*: 3.01%

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

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HIMYX Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund	1.33%	-1.50%	6.07%	3.64%	-13.08%	6.69%	1.85%	9.56%	4.15%	8.33%
VWALX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares	2.43%	5.06%	4.08%	8.45%	-11.69%	3.42%	5.49%	9.58%	1.38%	7.96%

Correlation

The correlation between HIMYX and VWALX is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 18, 2006	0.73

The correlation between HIMYX and VWALX shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (1 year) to 0.75 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HIMYX vs. VWALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HIMYX

HIMYX Risk / Return Rank: 7
HIMYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
HIMYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
HIMYX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
HIMYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
HIMYX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VWALX

VWALX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VWALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VWALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VWALX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VWALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VWALX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund (HIMYX) and Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX). 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.

	HIMYX	VWALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.45	2.56	-2.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.86	4.15	-3.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.66	-0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.58	2.71	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.46	9.87	-8.40

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HIMYX Sharpe Ratio is 0.45, which is lower than the VWALX Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HIMYX and VWALX, 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

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HIMYX drawdown since its inception was -35.00%, which is greater than VWALX's maximum drawdown of -17.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HIMYX and VWALX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HIMYX	VWALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.00%	-17.24%	-17.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.22%	-3.05%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.79%	-7.10%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.32%	-17.24%	-2.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.32%	-17.24%	-2.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.63%	-0.09%	-4.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.65%	-2.16%	-3.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.66%	0.84%	+0.82%

Volatility

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Volatility Comparison

Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund (HIMYX) has a higher volatility of 1.41% compared to Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX) at 0.90%. This indicates that HIMYX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HIMYX	VWALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.41%	0.90%	+0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.08%	2.39%	+0.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.47%	3.23%	+2.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.68%	4.81%	+0.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.07%	4.64%	+0.43%

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HIMYX has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than VWALX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

HIMYX vs. VWALX - Dividend Comparison

HIMYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.69%, more than VWALX's 4.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HIMYX Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund	8.69%	8.63%	5.32%	4.97%	3.88%	3.71%	3.96%	5.35%	5.20%	5.00%	5.66%	5.65%
VWALX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares	4.12%	5.04%	4.47%	3.59%	3.44%	3.04%	3.40%	4.03%	3.85%	3.77%	3.86%	3.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HIMYX and VWALX in my portfolio?

HIMYX and VWALX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HIMYX or VWALX?

HIMYX has higher volatility (1.41%) compared to VWALX (0.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HIMYX dropped -35.00% vs VWALX's -17.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 0.45), 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.