STYAX vs. LMSMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STYAX (Allspring Core Plus Bond Fund) and LMSMX (Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, STYAX returned 0.04%/yr vs -1.98%/yr for LMSMX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STYAX charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for LMSMX.

Performance

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Core Plus Bond Fund (STYAX) and Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund (LMSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STYAX achieves a 0.27% return, which is significantly lower than LMSMX's 0.70% return.

STYAX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.54%
• YTD: 0.27%
• 6M: 0.36%
• 1Y: 4.30%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: 0.04%
• 10Y*: 2.44%

LMSMX

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 0.70%
• 6M: 0.95%
• 1Y: 6.38%
• 3Y*: 4.98%
• 5Y*: -1.98%
• 10Y*: —

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

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STYAX Allspring Core Plus Bond Fund	0.27%	7.03%	2.05%	6.45%	-14.29%	-0.16%	11.30%	9.11%	-0.52%	4.68%
LMSMX Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund	0.70%	12.15%	-1.72%	5.13%	-23.44%	-2.32%	12.86%	7.71%	1.46%	5.52%

Correlation

The correlation between STYAX and LMSMX is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.86

The correlation between STYAX and LMSMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STYAX vs. LMSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

STYAX

STYAX Risk / Return Rank: 21
STYAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
STYAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
STYAX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
STYAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
STYAX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

LMSMX

LMSMX Risk / Return Rank: 36
LMSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
LMSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
LMSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
LMSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
LMSMX 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.

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Core Plus Bond Fund (STYAX) and Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund (LMSMX). 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.

	STYAX	LMSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.41	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	2.23	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.27	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.59	2.69	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.47	6.90	-2.42

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STYAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the LMSMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STYAX and LMSMX, 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

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STYAX drawdown since its inception was -18.83%, smaller than the maximum LMSMX drawdown of -30.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STYAX and LMSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	STYAX	LMSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.83%	-30.76%	+11.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-2.64%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.13%	-10.50%	+4.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.83%	-30.18%	+11.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.83%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.52%	-12.90%	+11.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-10.13%	+7.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	1.03%	-0.02%

Volatility

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Core Plus Bond Fund (STYAX) is 1.05%, while Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund (LMSMX) has a volatility of 1.17%. This indicates that STYAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LMSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STYAX	LMSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.05%	1.17%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.76%	2.83%	-0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.67%	5.05%	-1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.67%	10.38%	-4.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.70%	8.14%	-3.44%

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STYAX has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than LMSMX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

STYAX vs. LMSMX - Dividend Comparison

STYAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.53%, more than LMSMX's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LMSMX Western Asset SMASh Series M Fund	4.43%	4.20%	5.24%	4.68%	3.40%	3.78%	6.84%	7.19%	3.18%	3.24%	0.00%	0.00%
STYAX Allspring Core Plus Bond Fund	4.53%	4.52%	4.58%	3.94%	2.48%	2.39%	5.18%	3.67%	2.70%	2.61%	2.81%	2.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STYAX and LMSMX in my portfolio?

STYAX and LMSMX have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STYAX or LMSMX?

LMSMX has higher volatility (1.17%) compared to STYAX (1.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STYAX dropped -18.83% vs LMSMX's -30.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LMSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 1.23), 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.