SBI vs. BIMSX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SBI (Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.) and BIMSX (Baird Intermediate Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, SBI returned 1.46%/yr vs 1.97%/yr for BIMSX. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

SBI vs. BIMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. (SBI) and Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SBI achieves a 4.20% return, which is significantly higher than BIMSX's 0.18% return. Over the past 10 years, SBI has underperformed BIMSX with an annualized return of 1.46%, while BIMSX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.97% annualized return.

SBI

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 2.25%
• YTD: 4.20%
• 6M: 3.56%
• 1Y: 11.60%
• 3Y*: 6.93%
• 5Y*: 0.69%
• 10Y*: 1.46%

BIMSX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 0.18%
• 6M: 0.44%
• 1Y: 4.10%
• 3Y*: 4.52%
• 5Y*: 1.08%
• 10Y*: 1.97%

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

SBI vs. BIMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SBI Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.	4.20%	5.95%	6.83%	5.37%	-18.45%	7.91%	4.62%	12.78%	-6.59%	2.42%
BIMSX Baird Intermediate Bond Fund	0.18%	6.76%	3.21%	5.53%	-8.88%	-1.68%	7.16%	6.83%	0.30%	2.53%

Correlation

The correlation between SBI and BIMSX is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2000	0.18

The correlation between SBI and BIMSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.18 (all time) to 0.39 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SBI vs. BIMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBI

SBI Risk / Return Rank: 39
SBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SBI Omega Ratio Rank: 37
SBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
SBI Martin Ratio Rank: 41

BIMSX

BIMSX Risk / Return Rank: 31
BIMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
BIMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
BIMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
BIMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
BIMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

SBI vs. BIMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. (SBI) and Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX). 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.

	SBI	BIMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.59	+0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	2.42	+0.34
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	2.24	+0.22
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.76	7.02	+1.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SBI vs. BIMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBI Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the BIMSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBI and BIMSX, 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

	SBI	BIMSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.72	1.59	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08	0.28	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.15	0.61	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	1.09	-0.88

Drawdowns

SBI vs. BIMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBI drawdown since its inception was -33.70%, which is greater than BIMSX's maximum drawdown of -13.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBI and BIMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBI	BIMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.70%	-13.07%	-20.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.77%	-1.87%	-2.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.90%	-2.57%	-6.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.21%	-13.00%	-12.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.21%	-13.07%	-12.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-0.98%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.68%	-1.59%	-6.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.34%	0.60%	+0.74%

Volatility

SBI vs. BIMSX - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc. (SBI) has a higher volatility of 2.36% compared to Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX) at 0.85%. This indicates that SBI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BIMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SBI	BIMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.36%	0.85%	+1.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.19%	1.80%	+3.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.78%	2.53%	+4.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.94%	3.88%	+5.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.74%	3.25%	+6.49%

Dividends

SBI vs. BIMSX - Dividend Comparison

SBI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.47%, more than BIMSX's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIMSX Baird Intermediate Bond Fund	3.59%	3.50%	3.44%	2.81%	1.81%	1.90%	3.08%	2.16%	2.14%	1.98%	1.89%	2.21%
SBI Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc.	6.47%	6.56%	6.23%	3.76%	3.72%	2.93%	3.07%	3.59%	4.32%	4.58%	5.01%	4.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SBI and BIMSX in my portfolio?

SBI and BIMSX have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SBI or BIMSX?

SBI has higher volatility (2.36%) compared to BIMSX (0.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBI dropped -33.70% vs BIMSX's -13.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.59), 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.