LTMFX vs. MTLFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LTMFX (Thornburg Limited Term Municipal Fund) and MTLFX (MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, LTMFX returned 1.45%/yr vs 2.10%/yr for MTLFX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LTMFX charges 0.71%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for MTLFX.

Performance

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg Limited Term Municipal Fund (LTMFX) and MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund (MTLFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LTMFX achieves a 0.82% return, which is significantly lower than MTLFX's 0.91% return. Over the past 10 years, LTMFX has underperformed MTLFX with an annualized return of 1.45%, while MTLFX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.10% annualized return.

LTMFX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 1.01%
• 1Y: 4.35%
• 3Y*: 3.80%
• 5Y*: 1.28%
• 10Y*: 1.45%

MTLFX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 0.91%
• 6M: 1.30%
• 1Y: 4.83%
• 3Y*: 4.60%
• 5Y*: 1.75%
• 10Y*: 2.10%

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

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LTMFX Thornburg Limited Term Municipal Fund	0.82%	5.74%	1.84%	3.83%	-5.27%	-0.18%	2.97%	3.81%	1.00%	2.29%
MTLFX MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund	0.91%	6.04%	3.41%	4.36%	-5.65%	0.70%	3.27%	5.50%	1.28%	3.24%

Correlation

The correlation between LTMFX and MTLFX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 9, 1992	0.68

The correlation between LTMFX and MTLFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LTMFX vs. MTLFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LTMFX

LTMFX Risk / Return Rank: 68
LTMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
LTMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
LTMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
LTMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
LTMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

MTLFX

MTLFX Risk / Return Rank: 67
MTLFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
MTLFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
MTLFX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MTLFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
MTLFX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg Limited Term Municipal Fund (LTMFX) and MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund (MTLFX). 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.

	LTMFX	MTLFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.75	2.63	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.64	4.26	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.88	1.85	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	2.33	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.01	7.45	-0.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LTMFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.75, which is comparable to the MTLFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LTMFX and MTLFX, 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

	LTMFX	MTLFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.75	2.63	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.79	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64	0.84	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.84	1.54	-0.69

Drawdowns

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LTMFX drawdown since its inception was -8.40%, smaller than the maximum MTLFX drawdown of -8.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LTMFX and MTLFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LTMFX	MTLFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.40%	-8.98%	+0.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.96%	-2.08%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.95%	-2.50%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.40%	-8.66%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.40%	-8.98%	+0.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-0.70%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.64%	-0.88%	-0.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.62%	0.65%	-0.03%

Volatility

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Volatility Comparison

Thornburg Limited Term Municipal Fund (LTMFX) and MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund (MTLFX) have volatilities of 0.63% and 0.64%, 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

	LTMFX	MTLFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.63%	0.64%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.28%	1.45%	-0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59%	1.84%	-0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.35%	2.24%	+0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.27%	2.51%	-0.24%

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LTMFX has a 0.71% expense ratio, which is higher than MTLFX's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

LTMFX vs. MTLFX - Dividend Comparison

LTMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.23%, more than MTLFX's 3.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LTMFX Thornburg Limited Term Municipal Fund	3.23%	4.28%	3.60%	2.11%	1.62%	1.27%	1.54%	1.78%	1.83%	1.64%	1.57%	1.56%
MTLFX MFS Municipal Limited Maturity Fund	3.09%	4.06%	3.34%	2.32%	1.13%	1.30%	1.75%	2.27%	2.13%	2.07%	1.95%	1.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LTMFX and MTLFX in my portfolio?

LTMFX and MTLFX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LTMFX or MTLFX?

MTLFX has higher volatility (0.64%) compared to LTMFX (0.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LTMFX dropped -8.40% vs MTLFX's -8.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LTMFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.75 vs 2.63), 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.