PMBAX vs. LSMSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PMBAX (JPMorgan Tax Free Bond Fund) and LSMSX (Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, PMBAX returned -0.21%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for LSMSX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMBAX charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LSMSX.

Performance

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Tax Free Bond Fund (PMBAX) 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, PMBAX achieves a 1.29% return, which is significantly lower than LSMSX's 2.43% return.

PMBAX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.71%
• YTD: 1.29%
• 6M: 1.50%
• 1Y: 5.52%
• 3Y*: 3.40%
• 5Y*: -0.21%
• 10Y*: 1.48%

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)

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PMBAX JPMorgan Tax Free Bond Fund	1.29%	3.45%	1.86%	6.39%	-13.14%	2.37%	5.45%	7.44%	0.46%	4.68%
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 PMBAX and LSMSX is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.85

The correlation between PMBAX and LSMSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PMBAX vs. LSMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMBAX

PMBAX Risk / Return Rank: 53
PMBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
PMBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
PMBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
PMBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
PMBAX 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.

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Tax Free Bond Fund (PMBAX) 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.

	PMBAX	LSMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	2.85	-0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	4.42	-1.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.70	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	2.86	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.01	9.60	-3.59

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PMBAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the LSMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PMBAX 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

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMBAX drawdown since its inception was -18.95%, which is greater than LSMSX's maximum drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMBAX and LSMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMBAX	LSMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.95%	-15.00%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.02%	-2.82%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.07%	-7.49%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.95%	-15.00%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.95%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.97%	0.00%	-1.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.55%	-2.84%	+0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.84%	+0.08%

Volatility

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Tax Free Bond Fund (PMBAX) is 0.65%, while Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX) has a volatility of 0.79%. This indicates that PMBAX 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

	PMBAX	LSMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.65%	0.79%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.99%	2.06%	-0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.59%	2.83%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.51%	4.48%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.60%	4.50%	+0.10%

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMBAX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than LSMSX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMBAX vs. LSMSX - Dividend Comparison

PMBAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.29%, 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%
PMBAX JPMorgan Tax Free Bond Fund	3.29%	3.55%	3.51%	3.33%	2.92%	2.11%	2.20%	2.71%	3.41%	3.24%	5.46%	4.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMBAX and LSMSX in my portfolio?

PMBAX and LSMSX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PMBAX or LSMSX?

LSMSX has higher volatility (0.79%) compared to PMBAX (0.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PMBAX dropped -18.95% vs LSMSX's -15.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.85 vs 2.14), 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.