MMU vs. LSMSX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MMU (Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc) and LSMSX (Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds from Franklin Templeton. Over the past 5 years, MMU returned -0.14%/yr vs 1.18%/yr for LSMSX. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MMU charges 0.01%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LSMSX.

Performance

MMU vs. LSMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc (MMU) 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, MMU achieves a 2.81% return, which is significantly higher than LSMSX's 2.43% return.

MMU

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 4.03%
• YTD: 2.81%
• 6M: 4.41%
• 1Y: 12.19%
• 3Y*: 7.85%
• 5Y*: -0.14%
• 10Y*: 1.41%

LSMSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: 2.43%
• 6M: 2.64%
• 1Y: 7.93%
• 3Y*: 3.84%
• 5Y*: 1.18%
• 10Y*: —

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

MMU vs. LSMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MMU Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc	2.81%	9.19%	6.58%	5.63%	-19.58%	5.83%	0.71%	10.08%	-4.55%	5.96%
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 MMU and LSMSX is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.35

The correlation between MMU and LSMSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (all time) to 0.46 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MMU vs. LSMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMU

MMU Risk / Return Rank: 39
MMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MMU Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
MMU Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

MMU vs. LSMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	MMU	LSMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	2.78	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	4.30	-1.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.68	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	2.78	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.01	9.33	-2.32

MMU vs. LSMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMU Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is lower than the LSMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMU 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

MMU vs. LSMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMU drawdown since its inception was -34.51%, which is greater than LSMSX's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMU and LSMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMU	LSMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.51%	-15.00%	-19.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.88%	-2.82%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.86%	-7.49%	-5.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.89%	-15.00%	-16.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.51%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.39%	0.00%	-4.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.83%	-2.83%	-4.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.74%	0.84%	+0.90%

Volatility

MMU vs. LSMSX - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc (MMU) has a higher volatility of 2.36% compared to Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX) at 0.80%. This indicates that MMU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LSMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MMU	LSMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.36%	0.80%	+1.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.08%	2.06%	+5.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.34%	2.83%	+5.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.69%	4.48%	+6.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.01%	4.49%	+8.52%

MMU vs. LSMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMU has a 0.01% expense ratio, which is lower than LSMSX's 0.01% 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

MMU vs. LSMSX - Dividend Comparison

MMU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.29%, more 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%
MMU Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc	6.29%	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 MMU and LSMSX in my portfolio?

MMU and LSMSX have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MMU or LSMSX?

MMU has higher volatility (2.36%) compared to LSMSX (0.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMU dropped -34.51% vs LSMSX's -15.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 1.47), 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.