MHF vs. MMU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MHF (Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc) and MMU (Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc) are both Municipal Bonds funds from Franklin Templeton. Over the past 10 years, MHF returned 2.52%/yr vs 1.38%/yr for MMU. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MHF charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for MMU.

Performance

MHF vs. MMU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc (MHF) and Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc (MMU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with MHF having a 2.56% return and MMU slightly lower at 2.52%. Over the past 10 years, MHF has outperformed MMU with an annualized return of 2.52%, while MMU has yielded a comparatively lower 1.38% annualized return.

MHF

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 2.56%
• 6M: 2.86%
• 1Y: 5.93%
• 3Y*: 7.94%
• 5Y*: 0.93%
• 10Y*: 2.52%

MMU

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: 2.52%
• 6M: 3.61%
• 1Y: 12.20%
• 3Y*: 7.74%
• 5Y*: -0.24%
• 10Y*: 1.38%

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

MHF vs. MMU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MHF Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc	2.56%	7.18%	11.99%	4.53%	-17.68%	10.42%	3.00%	13.93%	-2.27%	7.54%
MMU Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc	2.52%	9.19%	6.58%	5.63%	-19.58%	5.83%	0.71%	10.08%	-4.55%	8.30%

Correlation

The correlation between MHF and MMU is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 1992	0.22

The correlation between MHF and MMU shifts across timeframes, from 0.22 (all time) to 0.42 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MHF vs. MMU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MHF

MHF Risk / Return Rank: 6
MHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
MHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
MHF Omega Ratio Rank: 6
MHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
MHF Martin Ratio Rank: 5

MMU

MMU Risk / Return Rank: 34
MMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
MMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
MMU Omega Ratio Rank: 34
MMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MMU 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.

MHF vs. MMU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc (MHF) and Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc (MMU). 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.

	MHF	MMU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	1.47	-1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.74	2.36	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.29	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.60	2.08	-1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.98	7.02	-6.04

MHF vs. MMU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MHF Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is lower than the MMU Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MHF and MMU, 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

MHF vs. MMU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MHF drawdown since its inception was -29.95%, smaller than the maximum MMU drawdown of -34.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MHF and MMU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MHF	MMU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.95%	-34.51%	+4.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.96%	-5.88%	-4.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.32%	-12.86%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.72%	-31.89%	+5.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.72%	-34.51%	+7.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.73%	-4.66%	-1.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.34%	-6.83%	+0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.07%	1.74%	+4.33%

Volatility

MHF vs. MMU - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc (MHF) and Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc (MMU) have volatilities of 2.46% and 2.40%, 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

	MHF	MMU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.46%	2.40%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.69%	7.09%	-0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.93%	8.34%	+5.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.87%	10.69%	+3.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.46%	13.01%	+0.45%

MHF vs. MMU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MHF has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than MMU's 0.01% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

MHF vs. MMU - Dividend Comparison

MHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.96%, less than MMU's 6.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MHF Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc	5.96%	5.93%	5.65%	3.78%	3.72%	3.23%	3.75%	4.02%	4.42%	4.14%	4.53%	4.45%
MMU Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc	6.31%	6.26%	6.16%	4.36%	4.65%	3.88%	4.21%	4.96%	5.68%	5.37%	5.67%	5.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MHF and MMU in my portfolio?

MHF and MMU have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MHF or MMU?

MHF has higher volatility (2.46%) compared to MMU (2.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MHF dropped -29.95% vs MMU's -34.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 0.43), 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.