SLMMX vs. DNYMX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SLMMX (Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund) and DNYMX (DFA NY Municipal Bond Portfolio) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, SLMMX returned 1.20%/yr vs 1.33%/yr for DNYMX. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SLMMX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DNYMX.

Performance

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX) and DFA NY Municipal Bond Portfolio (DNYMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLMMX achieves a 2.17% return, which is significantly higher than DNYMX's 1.18% return. Over the past 10 years, SLMMX has underperformed DNYMX with an annualized return of 1.20%, while DNYMX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.33% annualized return.

SLMMX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 2.06%
• YTD: 2.17%
• 6M: 2.67%
• 1Y: 8.00%
• 3Y*: 3.36%
• 5Y*: 0.11%
• 10Y*: 1.20%

DNYMX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.28%
• 1Y: 2.89%
• 3Y*: 2.85%
• 5Y*: 1.63%
• 10Y*: 1.33%

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

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLMMX Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund	2.17%	3.76%	1.22%	5.51%	-11.55%	1.73%	3.31%	6.85%	0.02%	5.10%
DNYMX DFA NY Municipal Bond Portfolio	1.18%	2.69%	2.87%	2.76%	-1.17%	-0.10%	1.26%	2.42%	1.02%	1.74%

Correlation

The correlation between SLMMX and DNYMX is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.42

Over the past year, the correlation between SLMMX and DNYMX has dropped to 0.18 - well below their long-term average of 0.42, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

SLMMX vs. DNYMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLMMX

SLMMX Risk / Return Rank: 77
SLMMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
SLMMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SLMMX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
SLMMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SLMMX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

DNYMX

DNYMX Risk / Return Rank: 99
DNYMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
DNYMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
DNYMX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
DNYMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
DNYMX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX) and DFA NY Municipal Bond Portfolio (DNYMX). 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.

	SLMMX	DNYMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	4.63	-1.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.11	10.39	-6.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	4.18	-2.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	12.55	-9.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.26	56.40	-46.13

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLMMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is lower than the DNYMX Sharpe Ratio of 4.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLMMX and DNYMX, 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

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLMMX drawdown since its inception was -16.75%, which is greater than DNYMX's maximum drawdown of -3.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLMMX and DNYMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLMMX	DNYMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.75%	-3.19%	-13.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-0.24%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.79%	-0.98%	-5.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.75%	-2.53%	-14.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.75%	-3.19%	-13.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	0.00%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.27%	-0.41%	-1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.78%	0.05%	+0.73%

Volatility

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund (SLMMX) has a higher volatility of 0.90% compared to DFA NY Municipal Bond Portfolio (DNYMX) at 0.20%. This indicates that SLMMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DNYMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLMMX	DNYMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.90%	0.20%	+0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.25%	0.48%	+1.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.02%	0.65%	+2.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.53%	0.88%	+3.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.32%	1.05%	+3.27%

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLMMX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than DNYMX's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLMMX vs. DNYMX - Dividend Comparison

SLMMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, less than DNYMX's 2.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DNYMX DFA NY Municipal Bond Portfolio	2.65%	2.36%	2.73%	1.92%	0.70%	0.59%	1.06%	1.31%	1.21%	1.04%	1.08%	0.00%
SLMMX Western Asset Massachusetts Municipals Fund	2.34%	3.27%	2.62%	2.34%	1.81%	1.40%	2.29%	3.02%	3.13%	3.12%	3.10%	3.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLMMX and DNYMX in my portfolio?

SLMMX and DNYMX have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLMMX or DNYMX?

SLMMX has higher volatility (0.90%) compared to DNYMX (0.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLMMX dropped -16.75% vs DNYMX's -3.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DNYMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.63 vs 2.67), 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.