SBSTX vs. SWSBX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SBSTX (Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund) and SWSBX (Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, SBSTX returned 1.48%/yr vs 1.30%/yr for SWSBX. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SBSTX charges 0.71%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SWSBX.

Performance

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund (SBSTX) and Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund (SWSBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SBSTX achieves a 0.32% return, which is significantly higher than SWSBX's 0.13% return.

SBSTX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 0.32%
• 6M: 0.69%
• 1Y: 3.37%
• 3Y*: 4.08%
• 5Y*: 1.48%
• 10Y*: 1.92%

SWSBX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 0.13%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 3.32%
• 3Y*: 4.19%
• 5Y*: 1.30%
• 10Y*: —

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

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SBSTX Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund	0.32%	5.38%	3.56%	4.32%	-5.34%	-0.81%	3.73%	4.48%	1.29%	1.58%
SWSBX Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.13%	6.06%	3.42%	3.95%	-5.89%	-1.28%	4.47%	4.96%	1.34%	0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SBSTX and SWSBX is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2017	0.61

The correlation between SBSTX and SWSBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SBSTX vs. SWSBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBSTX

SBSTX Risk / Return Rank: 46
SBSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
SBSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
SBSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SBSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SBSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

SWSBX

SWSBX Risk / Return Rank: 38
SWSBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SWSBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SWSBX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
SWSBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SWSBX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund (SBSTX) and Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund (SWSBX). 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.

	SBSTX	SWSBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.54	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.57	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.32	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.23	+0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.25	6.87	+3.38

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the SWSBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBSTX and SWSBX, 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

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBSTX drawdown since its inception was -16.30%, which is greater than SWSBX's maximum drawdown of -9.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBSTX and SWSBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBSTX	SWSBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.30%	-9.06%	-7.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.34%	-1.54%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.34%	-1.79%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.15%	-9.06%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-0.84%	+0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.18%	-1.79%	+0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	0.50%	-0.17%

Volatility

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund (SBSTX) has a higher volatility of 0.95% compared to Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund (SWSBX) at 0.72%. This indicates that SBSTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SWSBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SBSTX	SWSBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.95%	0.72%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.98%	1.68%	+0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45%	2.23%	+0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.74%	2.99%	-0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.44%	2.47%	-0.03%

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SBSTX has a 0.71% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSBX's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

SBSTX vs. SWSBX - Dividend Comparison

SBSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, less than SWSBX's 4.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SBSTX Western Asset Short-Term Bond Fund	3.88%	4.14%	3.22%	2.82%	1.75%	1.24%	2.11%	2.56%	2.33%	1.69%	1.57%	1.28%
SWSBX Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund	4.14%	4.09%	3.66%	2.36%	1.11%	0.97%	1.82%	2.41%	2.12%	1.56%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SBSTX and SWSBX in my portfolio?

SBSTX and SWSBX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SBSTX or SWSBX?

SBSTX has higher volatility (0.95%) compared to SWSBX (0.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBSTX dropped -16.30% vs SWSBX's -9.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWSBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.38), 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.