TIMUX vs. MUB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

TIMUX (Transamerica Intermediate Muni) and MUB (iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, TIMUX returned 1.72%/yr vs 2.00%/yr for MUB. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TIMUX charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for MUB.

Performance

TIMUX vs. MUB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Transamerica Intermediate Muni (TIMUX) and iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (MUB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TIMUX achieves a 1.65% return, which is significantly higher than MUB's 1.32% return. Over the past 10 years, TIMUX has underperformed MUB with an annualized return of 1.72%, while MUB has yielded a comparatively higher 2.00% annualized return.

TIMUX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 1.65%
• 6M: 2.24%
• 1Y: 7.23%
• 3Y*: 3.72%
• 5Y*: 0.22%
• 10Y*: 1.72%

MUB

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 1.32%
• 6M: 1.88%
• 1Y: 7.06%
• 3Y*: 3.46%
• 5Y*: 0.91%
• 10Y*: 2.00%

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

TIMUX vs. MUB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TIMUX Transamerica Intermediate Muni	1.65%	3.88%	2.47%	5.52%	-12.27%	2.30%	4.30%	7.43%	1.08%	5.61%
MUB iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF	1.32%	3.78%	1.26%	5.56%	-7.34%	1.02%	5.12%	7.06%	0.93%	4.72%

Correlation

The correlation between TIMUX and MUB is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.65

The correlation between TIMUX and MUB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TIMUX vs. MUB — Risk / Return Rank

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

TIMUX

TIMUX Risk / Return Rank: 73
TIMUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
TIMUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
TIMUX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
TIMUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
TIMUX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

MUB

MUB Risk / Return Rank: 67
MUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
MUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
MUB Omega Ratio Rank: 84
MUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
MUB Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

TIMUX vs. MUB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Transamerica Intermediate Muni (TIMUX) and iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (MUB). 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.

	TIMUX	MUB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.83	2.43	+0.39
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.46	3.55	+0.91
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.75	1.51	+0.24
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	2.42	+0.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.85	8.59	+1.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TIMUX vs. MUB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TIMUX Sharpe Ratio is 2.83, which is comparable to the MUB Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TIMUX and MUB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TIMUX	MUB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.83	2.43	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	0.23	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41	0.41	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	0.58	+0.15

Drawdowns

TIMUX vs. MUB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TIMUX drawdown since its inception was -17.93%, which is greater than MUB's maximum drawdown of -13.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TIMUX and MUB.

Drawdown Indicators

	TIMUX	MUB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.93%	-13.68%	-4.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.75%	-2.79%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.91%	-5.34%	-0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.93%	-11.88%	-6.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-17.93%	-13.68%	-4.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-0.62%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.18%	-2.23%	-0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.74%	0.79%	-0.05%

Volatility

TIMUX vs. MUB - Volatility Comparison

Transamerica Intermediate Muni (TIMUX) and iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (MUB) have volatilities of 0.98% and 0.98%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TIMUX	MUB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.98%	0.98%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.93%	2.23%	-0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.50%	2.93%	-0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.14%	4.06%	+0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.22%	4.92%	-0.70%

TIMUX vs. MUB - Expense Ratio Comparison

TIMUX has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than MUB's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

TIMUX vs. MUB - Dividend Comparison

TIMUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.35%, more than MUB's 3.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MUB iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF	3.17%	3.14%	3.01%	2.65%	2.11%	1.81%	2.11%	2.42%	2.46%	2.26%	2.21%	2.51%
TIMUX Transamerica Intermediate Muni	3.35%	3.47%	3.09%	2.03%	1.79%	2.11%	2.24%	2.55%	2.46%	2.07%	2.53%	2.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TIMUX and MUB in my portfolio?

TIMUX and MUB have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TIMUX or MUB?

MUB has higher volatility (0.98%) compared to TIMUX (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TIMUX dropped -17.93% vs MUB's -13.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TIMUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.83 vs 2.43), 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.