LTCAX vs. LSMSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LTCAX (Thornburg California Limited Term Municipal Fund) and LSMSX (Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, LTCAX returned 1.38%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for LSMSX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LTCAX charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LSMSX.

Performance

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg California Limited Term Municipal Fund (LTCAX) and Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LTCAX achieves a 0.69% return, which is significantly lower than LSMSX's 2.43% return.

LTCAX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 1.03%
• YTD: 0.69%
• 6M: 1.01%
• 1Y: 4.40%
• 3Y*: 3.69%
• 5Y*: 1.38%
• 10Y*: 1.20%

LSMSX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: 2.43%
• 6M: 2.64%
• 1Y: 8.04%
• 3Y*: 3.98%
• 5Y*: 1.14%
• 10Y*: —

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

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LTCAX Thornburg California Limited Term Municipal Fund	0.69%	5.72%	1.84%	3.72%	-4.60%	-0.41%	1.92%	3.32%	0.62%	1.49%
LSMSX Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund	2.43%	3.22%	2.22%	7.96%	-10.03%	4.11%	4.48%	8.16%	0.46%	4.92%

Correlation

The correlation between LTCAX and LSMSX is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.67

The correlation between LTCAX and LSMSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.52 (1 year) to 0.72 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LTCAX vs. LSMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LTCAX

LTCAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
LTCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
LTCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
LTCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
LTCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
LTCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

LSMSX

LSMSX Risk / Return Rank: 78
LSMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
LSMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
LSMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
LSMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
LSMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg California Limited Term Municipal Fund (LTCAX) and Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX). 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.

	LTCAX	LSMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	2.85	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.31	4.42	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.70	1.70	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	2.86	-0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	9.60	-3.71

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LTCAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is comparable to the LSMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LTCAX and LSMSX, 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

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LTCAX drawdown since its inception was -7.38%, smaller than the maximum LSMSX drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LTCAX and LSMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LTCAX	LSMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.38%	-15.00%	+7.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.21%	-2.82%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.33%	-7.49%	+4.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.32%	-15.00%	+7.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-7.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	0.00%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.38%	-2.84%	+1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.75%	0.84%	-0.09%

Volatility

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Thornburg California Limited Term Municipal Fund (LTCAX) is 0.55%, while Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX) has a volatility of 0.79%. This indicates that LTCAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LSMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LTCAX	LSMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.55%	0.79%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.42%	2.06%	-0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.73%	2.83%	-1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.39%	4.48%	-2.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.29%	4.50%	-2.21%

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LTCAX has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than LSMSX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

LTCAX vs. LSMSX - Dividend Comparison

LTCAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, less than LSMSX's 3.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LSMSX Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund	3.84%	3.83%	4.30%	3.37%	2.38%	2.73%	2.33%	2.55%	2.34%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%
LTCAX Thornburg California Limited Term Municipal Fund	2.98%	3.96%	3.38%	1.99%	1.43%	1.13%	1.24%	1.65%	1.64%	1.37%	1.30%	1.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LTCAX and LSMSX in my portfolio?

LTCAX and LSMSX have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LTCAX or LSMSX?

LSMSX has higher volatility (0.79%) compared to LTCAX (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LTCAX dropped -7.38% vs LSMSX's -15.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.85 vs 2.56), 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.