LMLCX vs. NBB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LMLCX (Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund) and NBB (Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, LMLCX returned 4.66%/yr vs 2.74%/yr for NBB. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LMLCX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for NBB.

Performance

LMLCX vs. NBB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund (LMLCX) and Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund (NBB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LMLCX achieves a 2.13% return, which is significantly higher than NBB's 1.42% return. Over the past 10 years, LMLCX has outperformed NBB with an annualized return of 4.66%, while NBB has yielded a comparatively lower 2.74% annualized return.

LMLCX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: 2.13%
• 6M: 2.36%
• 1Y: 10.00%
• 3Y*: 6.32%
• 5Y*: 4.48%
• 10Y*: 4.66%

NBB

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: -0.61%
• YTD: 1.42%
• 6M: 1.74%
• 1Y: 7.94%
• 3Y*: 7.60%
• 5Y*: -0.92%
• 10Y*: 2.74%

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

LMLCX vs. NBB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LMLCX Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund	2.13%	12.22%	-2.21%	12.93%	-3.51%	3.08%	2.93%	15.10%	-4.24%	7.20%
NBB Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund	1.42%	13.52%	1.32%	7.62%	-24.60%	0.91%	14.45%	19.48%	-6.37%	12.96%

Correlation

The correlation between LMLCX and NBB is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2012	0.27

Over the past year, LMLCX and NBB have become more correlated (0.53) than their long-term average of 0.27, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

LMLCX vs. NBB — Risk / Return Rank

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

LMLCX

LMLCX Risk / Return Rank: 37
LMLCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
LMLCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
LMLCX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
LMLCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
LMLCX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

NBB

NBB Risk / Return Rank: 11
NBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
NBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
NBB Omega Ratio Rank: 10
NBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
NBB Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

LMLCX vs. NBB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund (LMLCX) and Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund (NBB). 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.

	LMLCX	NBB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	0.80	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	1.23	+1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.14	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	1.17	+1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.37	3.56	+4.82

LMLCX vs. NBB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LMLCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is higher than the NBB Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LMLCX and NBB, 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

LMLCX vs. NBB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LMLCX drawdown since its inception was -23.45%, smaller than the maximum NBB drawdown of -33.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LMLCX and NBB.

Drawdown Indicators

	LMLCX	NBB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.45%	-33.51%	+10.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.22%	-6.81%	+2.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.77%	-11.39%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.77%	-33.51%	+21.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.45%	-33.51%	+10.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-7.30%	+7.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-7.66%	+5.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.23%	2.24%	-1.01%

Volatility

LMLCX vs. NBB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund (LMLCX) is 1.88%, while Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund (NBB) has a volatility of 2.58%. This indicates that LMLCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NBB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LMLCX	NBB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.88%	2.58%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.63%	7.39%	-2.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.72%	9.94%	-3.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.82%	13.78%	-5.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.20%	14.28%	-7.08%

LMLCX vs. NBB - Expense Ratio Comparison

LMLCX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than NBB's 0.04% 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

LMLCX vs. NBB - Dividend Comparison

LMLCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.18%, less than NBB's 7.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LMLCX Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund	6.18%	6.11%	6.58%	5.78%	4.46%	5.42%	3.54%	4.16%	5.59%	4.04%	3.75%	5.64%
NBB Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund	7.50%	7.33%	6.96%	8.33%	7.86%	5.50%	4.67%	5.54%	6.38%	5.62%	6.35%	6.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LMLCX and NBB in my portfolio?

LMLCX and NBB have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LMLCX or NBB?

NBB has higher volatility (2.58%) compared to LMLCX (1.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LMLCX dropped -23.45% vs NBB's -33.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LMLCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 0.80), 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.