SMAAX vs. AFB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SMAAX (SEI Tax-Exempt Trust Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund) and AFB (AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, SMAAX returned 1.12%/yr vs 1.53%/yr for AFB. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMAAX charges 0.63%/yr vs 1.56%/yr for AFB.

Performance

SMAAX vs. AFB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Tax-Exempt Trust Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund (SMAAX) and AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund (AFB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMAAX achieves a 0.50% return, which is significantly lower than AFB's 7.53% return. Over the past 10 years, SMAAX has underperformed AFB with an annualized return of 1.12%, while AFB has yielded a comparatively higher 1.53% annualized return.

SMAAX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 6M: 0.87%
• 1Y: 4.85%
• 3Y*: 2.81%
• 5Y*: 0.26%
• 10Y*: 1.12%

AFB

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 3.84%
• YTD: 7.53%
• 6M: 8.03%
• 1Y: 17.26%
• 3Y*: 6.85%
• 5Y*: -1.45%
• 10Y*: 1.53%

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

SMAAX vs. AFB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMAAX SEI Tax-Exempt Trust Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund	0.50%	5.42%	-0.34%	3.94%	-7.16%	-1.26%	4.39%	6.35%	0.62%	3.46%
AFB AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund	7.53%	4.41%	4.10%	7.41%	-25.93%	7.25%	7.80%	20.13%	-5.43%	6.15%

Correlation

The correlation between SMAAX and AFB is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 29, 2002	0.27

The correlation between SMAAX and AFB shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (all time) to 0.48 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SMAAX vs. AFB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMAAX

SMAAX Risk / Return Rank: 51
SMAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SMAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SMAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
SMAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
SMAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

AFB

AFB Risk / Return Rank: 67
AFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
AFB Omega Ratio Rank: 69
AFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
AFB Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

SMAAX vs. AFB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Tax-Exempt Trust Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund (SMAAX) and AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund (AFB). 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.

	SMAAX	AFB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	2.15	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	3.45	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.42	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	2.91	-1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.31	10.95	-6.64

SMAAX vs. AFB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMAAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the AFB Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMAAX and AFB, 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

SMAAX vs. AFB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMAAX drawdown since its inception was -12.35%, smaller than the maximum AFB drawdown of -50.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMAAX and AFB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMAAX	AFB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.35%	-50.98%	+38.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.15%	-5.96%	+2.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.23%	-16.32%	+12.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.06%	-35.17%	+23.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-12.35%	-35.17%	+22.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-8.44%	+6.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.08%	-8.98%	+6.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.13%	1.58%	-0.45%

Volatility

SMAAX vs. AFB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Tax-Exempt Trust Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund (SMAAX) is 0.58%, while AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund (AFB) has a volatility of 2.72%. This indicates that SMAAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AFB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMAAX	AFB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.58%	2.72%	-2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.88%	6.05%	-4.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.24%	8.08%	-5.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.17%	10.97%	-7.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.76%	11.26%	-7.50%

SMAAX vs. AFB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMAAX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than AFB's 1.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMAAX vs. AFB - Dividend Comparison

SMAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, less than AFB's 5.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFB AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund	5.07%	4.72%	3.83%	3.62%	5.26%	4.32%	4.18%	3.93%	4.53%	4.71%	5.34%	5.80%
SMAAX SEI Tax-Exempt Trust Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund	2.06%	2.47%	1.54%	1.16%	0.95%	1.20%	1.82%	2.09%	1.84%	2.07%	2.40%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMAAX and AFB in my portfolio?

SMAAX and AFB have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMAAX or AFB?

AFB has higher volatility (2.72%) compared to SMAAX (0.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMAAX dropped -12.35% vs AFB's -50.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMAAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.15), 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.