MACMX vs. VB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MACMX (BlackRock California Municipal Opportunities Fund) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both funds - MACMX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by BlackRock, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, MACMX returned 2.49%/yr vs 11.30%/yr for VB. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. MACMX charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

MACMX vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock California Municipal Opportunities Fund (MACMX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MACMX achieves a 1.79% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 14.16% return. Over the past 10 years, MACMX has underperformed VB with an annualized return of 2.49%, while VB has yielded a comparatively higher 11.30% annualized return.

MACMX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 1.00%
• YTD: 1.79%
• 6M: 1.85%
• 1Y: 6.37%
• 3Y*: 4.51%
• 5Y*: 1.37%
• 10Y*: 2.49%

VB

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

MACMX vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MACMX BlackRock California Municipal Opportunities Fund	1.79%	4.41%	3.91%	4.96%	-8.76%	4.70%	1.45%	6.81%	1.26%	7.25%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.16%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between MACMX and VB is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	-0.04

The correlation between MACMX and VB shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (all time) to 0.17 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MACMX vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MACMX

MACMX Risk / Return Rank: 57
MACMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
MACMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
MACMX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
MACMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
MACMX Martin Ratio Rank: 38

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

MACMX vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock California Municipal Opportunities Fund (MACMX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	MACMX	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	1.78	+0.41
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	2.56	+0.92
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.31	+0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	3.22	-0.70
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.37	11.87	-3.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MACMX vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MACMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MACMX and VB, 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

	MACMX	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.19	1.78	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.34	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.53	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.18	0.44	+0.74

Drawdowns

MACMX vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MACMX drawdown since its inception was -13.65%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MACMX and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MACMX	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-59.56%	+45.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.50%	-8.98%	+6.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.24%	-25.36%	+20.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.65%	-28.15%	+14.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.65%	-42.05%	+28.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.65%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-8.44%	+6.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.75%	2.43%	-1.68%

Volatility

MACMX vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BlackRock California Municipal Opportunities Fund (MACMX) is 1.08%, while Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a volatility of 4.42%. This indicates that MACMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MACMX	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.08%	4.42%	-3.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.07%	11.72%	-9.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.88%	16.28%	-13.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.20%	20.74%	-16.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.07%	21.42%	-17.35%

MACMX vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

MACMX has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

MACMX vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

MACMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.68%, more than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MACMX BlackRock California Municipal Opportunities Fund	3.68%	4.77%	3.93%	2.68%	1.90%	1.80%	2.02%	2.74%	4.60%	3.19%	2.82%	3.43%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MACMX and VB in my portfolio?

MACMX and VB have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MACMX or VB?

VB has higher volatility (4.42%) compared to MACMX (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MACMX dropped -13.65% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MACMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.78), 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.