SMGIX vs. COLTX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SMGIX (Columbia Contrarian Core Fund) and COLTX (Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund) are both mutual funds - SMGIX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Columbia, while COLTX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Columbia. Over the past 10 years, SMGIX returned 14.79%/yr vs 1.92%/yr for COLTX. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. SMGIX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for COLTX.

Performance

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Contrarian Core Fund (SMGIX) and Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund (COLTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMGIX achieves a 9.02% return, which is significantly higher than COLTX's 2.49% return. Over the past 10 years, SMGIX has outperformed COLTX with an annualized return of 14.79%, while COLTX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.92% annualized return.

SMGIX

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 9.02%
• 6M: 8.71%
• 1Y: 25.38%
• 3Y*: 20.39%
• 5Y*: 13.32%
• 10Y*: 14.79%

COLTX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 2.49%
• 6M: 2.98%
• 1Y: 8.37%
• 3Y*: 4.45%
• 5Y*: 0.66%
• 10Y*: 1.92%

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

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMGIX Columbia Contrarian Core Fund	9.02%	17.35%	23.33%	32.12%	-18.64%	24.18%	22.21%	32.95%	-8.95%	20.57%
COLTX Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund	2.49%	3.86%	3.47%	6.60%	-12.56%	3.01%	3.37%	8.15%	0.19%	6.15%

Correlation

The correlation between SMGIX and COLTX is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 1993	-0.05

The correlation between SMGIX and COLTX shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (all time) to 0.16 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SMGIX vs. COLTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMGIX

SMGIX Risk / Return Rank: 49
SMGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SMGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SMGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SMGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SMGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

COLTX

COLTX Risk / Return Rank: 71
COLTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
COLTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
COLTX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
COLTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
COLTX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Contrarian Core Fund (SMGIX) and Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund (COLTX). 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.

	SMGIX	COLTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.39	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	3.79	-1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.56	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.70	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	9.36	+0.70

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMGIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the COLTX Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMGIX and COLTX, 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

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMGIX drawdown since its inception was -50.62%, which is greater than COLTX's maximum drawdown of -18.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMGIX and COLTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMGIX	COLTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.62%	-18.07%	-32.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.99%	-3.11%	-6.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.92%	-8.08%	-11.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.20%	-18.07%	-14.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.45%	-18.07%	-14.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	0.00%	-1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.73%	-2.63%	-4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	0.90%	+1.59%

Volatility

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Contrarian Core Fund (SMGIX) has a higher volatility of 5.37% compared to Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund (COLTX) at 0.94%. This indicates that SMGIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than COLTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMGIX	COLTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.37%	0.94%	+4.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	2.56%	+7.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.94%	3.52%	+9.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.09%	5.24%	+13.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.03%	4.98%	+14.05%

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMGIX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than COLTX's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMGIX vs. COLTX - Dividend Comparison

SMGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.78%, more than COLTX's 3.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
COLTX Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund	3.73%	4.91%	3.66%	3.15%	3.05%	3.20%	3.27%	4.60%	3.80%	3.86%	4.15%	4.13%
SMGIX Columbia Contrarian Core Fund	6.78%	7.39%	9.69%	3.08%	10.61%	13.70%	7.69%	5.87%	10.17%	4.89%	0.76%	5.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMGIX and COLTX in my portfolio?

SMGIX and COLTX have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMGIX or COLTX?

SMGIX has higher volatility (5.37%) compared to COLTX (0.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMGIX dropped -50.62% vs COLTX's -18.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

COLTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.94), 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.