LMECX vs. LMGEX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

LMECX (Western Asset SMASh Series Core Plus Completion Fund) and LMGEX (Franklin International Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - LMECX is a High Yield Bonds fund managed by Legg Mason, while LMGEX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Legg Mason. Over the past 10 years, LMECX returned 0.82%/yr vs 7.84%/yr for LMGEX. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LMECX charges 0.00%/yr vs 2.05%/yr for LMGEX.

Performance

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset SMASh Series Core Plus Completion Fund (LMECX) and Franklin International Equity Fund (LMGEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LMECX achieves a 0.59% return, which is significantly lower than LMGEX's 6.84% return. Over the past 10 years, LMECX has underperformed LMGEX with an annualized return of 0.82%, while LMGEX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.84% annualized return.

LMECX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.59%
• 6M: 1.23%
• 1Y: 6.10%
• 3Y*: 3.55%
• 5Y*: -4.05%
• 10Y*: 0.82%

LMGEX

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 6.84%
• 6M: 9.01%
• 1Y: 17.68%
• 3Y*: 16.77%
• 5Y*: 8.10%
• 10Y*: 7.84%

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

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LMECX Western Asset SMASh Series Core Plus Completion Fund	0.59%	9.89%	-3.64%	7.36%	-29.11%	0.34%	1.70%	19.29%	-2.74%	8.93%
LMGEX Franklin International Equity Fund	6.84%	32.05%	3.42%	18.48%	-13.55%	12.87%	2.74%	17.61%	-16.67%	23.58%

Correlation

The correlation between LMECX and LMGEX is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 24, 2012	0.41

The correlation between LMECX and LMGEX shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (all time) to 0.59 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LMECX vs. LMGEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LMECX

LMECX Risk / Return Rank: 27
LMECX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
LMECX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
LMECX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
LMECX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
LMECX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

LMGEX

LMGEX Risk / Return Rank: 19
LMGEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
LMGEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
LMGEX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
LMGEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
LMGEX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset SMASh Series Core Plus Completion Fund (LMECX) and Franklin International Equity Fund (LMGEX). 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.

	LMECX	LMGEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.19	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	1.74	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.22	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	1.54	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.28	5.52	+0.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LMECX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the LMGEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LMECX and LMGEX, 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

	LMECX	LMGEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.19	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.45	0.52	-0.96
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.10	0.49	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.27	+0.10

Drawdowns

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LMECX drawdown since its inception was -36.92%, smaller than the maximum LMGEX drawdown of -63.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LMECX and LMGEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LMECX	LMGEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.92%	-63.37%	+26.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.26%	-11.64%	+7.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.31%	-13.05%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.92%	-28.98%	-7.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.92%	-39.79%	+2.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.36%	-2.80%	-17.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.51%	-18.21%	+8.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.03%	3.25%	-2.22%

Volatility

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset SMASh Series Core Plus Completion Fund (LMECX) is 1.54%, while Franklin International Equity Fund (LMGEX) has a volatility of 4.58%. This indicates that LMECX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LMGEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LMECX	LMGEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.54%	4.58%	-3.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.98%	12.32%	-8.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.53%	15.16%	-10.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.07%	15.81%	-6.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.34%	16.18%	-7.84%

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LMECX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than LMGEX's 2.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

LMECX vs. LMGEX - Dividend Comparison

LMECX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.91%, less than LMGEX's 7.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LMECX Western Asset SMASh Series Core Plus Completion Fund	4.91%	4.90%	6.36%	6.13%	0.94%	6.37%	1.45%	8.12%	4.65%	7.29%	5.70%	6.43%
LMGEX Franklin International Equity Fund	7.75%	8.28%	5.68%	1.51%	2.88%	5.10%	0.58%	0.49%	1.62%	1.60%	1.30%	0.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LMECX and LMGEX in my portfolio?

LMECX and LMGEX have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LMECX or LMGEX?

LMGEX has higher volatility (4.58%) compared to LMECX (1.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LMECX dropped -36.92% vs LMGEX's -63.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LMECX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 1.19), 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.