SDSAX vs. ECSIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SDSAX (Western Asset Income Fund) and ECSIX (Eaton Vance Short Duration Strategic Income Fund) are both Multisector Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, SDSAX returned 3.32%/yr vs 4.02%/yr for ECSIX. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDSAX charges 0.92%/yr vs 1.82%/yr for ECSIX.

Performance

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Income Fund (SDSAX) and Eaton Vance Short Duration Strategic Income Fund (ECSIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDSAX achieves a 0.66% return, which is significantly lower than ECSIX's 1.92% return. Over the past 10 years, SDSAX has underperformed ECSIX with an annualized return of 3.32%, while ECSIX has yielded a comparatively higher 4.02% annualized return.

SDSAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 0.66%
• 6M: 1.29%
• 1Y: 5.35%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 1.61%
• 10Y*: 3.32%

ECSIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 1.92%
• 6M: 2.21%
• 1Y: 8.01%
• 3Y*: 7.36%
• 5Y*: 4.19%
• 10Y*: 4.02%

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

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDSAX Western Asset Income Fund	0.66%	7.99%	4.35%	9.03%	-13.53%	1.75%	3.67%	12.48%	-3.95%	8.41%
ECSIX Eaton Vance Short Duration Strategic Income Fund	1.92%	10.19%	5.71%	7.31%	-3.31%	0.69%	6.60%	5.76%	-3.37%	4.04%

Correlation

The correlation between SDSAX and ECSIX is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 25, 1994	0.40

Over the past year, SDSAX and ECSIX have become more correlated (0.71) than their long-term average of 0.40, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

SDSAX vs. ECSIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDSAX

SDSAX Risk / Return Rank: 45
SDSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SDSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SDSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SDSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
SDSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

ECSIX

ECSIX Risk / Return Rank: 86
ECSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
ECSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
ECSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
ECSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ECSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Income Fund (SDSAX) and Eaton Vance Short Duration Strategic Income Fund (ECSIX). 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.

	SDSAX	ECSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.96	-1.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	4.46	-1.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.64	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	3.45	-1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.06	11.89	-3.83

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the ECSIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDSAX and ECSIX, 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

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDSAX drawdown since its inception was -27.16%, which is greater than ECSIX's maximum drawdown of -12.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDSAX and ECSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDSAX	ECSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.16%	-12.95%	-14.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.96%	-2.43%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.95%	-2.64%	-2.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.75%	-7.19%	-10.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.55%	-12.53%	-8.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-0.63%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-1.34%	-1.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	0.70%	-0.01%

Volatility

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Income Fund (SDSAX) has a higher volatility of 1.03% compared to Eaton Vance Short Duration Strategic Income Fund (ECSIX) at 0.92%. This indicates that SDSAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ECSIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDSAX	ECSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.03%	0.92%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	2.26%	+0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	2.84%	+0.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.64%	3.22%	+1.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.83%	3.17%	+1.66%

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDSAX has a 0.92% expense ratio, which is lower than ECSIX's 1.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDSAX vs. ECSIX - Dividend Comparison

SDSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.28%, which matches ECSIX's 6.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECSIX Eaton Vance Short Duration Strategic Income Fund	6.32%	5.07%	6.21%	6.18%	4.78%	3.54%	3.47%	3.53%	3.19%	2.96%	3.20%	3.54%
SDSAX Western Asset Income Fund	6.28%	6.85%	6.05%	6.54%	4.78%	3.39%	4.48%	5.69%	5.97%	4.90%	5.14%	9.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDSAX and ECSIX in my portfolio?

SDSAX and ECSIX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDSAX or ECSIX?

SDSAX has higher volatility (1.03%) compared to ECSIX (0.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDSAX dropped -27.16% vs ECSIX's -12.95%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ECSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.96 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.