VWALX vs. PHMIX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX) and PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (PHMIX).
VWALX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Nov 12, 2001. PHMIX is managed by PIMCO. It was launched on Jul 30, 2006.
Performance
VWALX vs. PHMIX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VWALX vs. PHMIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VWALX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares | -0.26% | 5.06% | 4.08% | 8.45% | -11.69% | 3.42% | 5.49% | 9.58% | 1.38% | 7.96% |
PHMIX PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund | 0.04% | 5.00% | 5.33% | 8.97% | -13.90% | 5.51% | 6.21% | 10.77% | 2.28% | 9.83% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VWALX achieves a -0.26% return, which is significantly lower than PHMIX's 0.04% return. Over the past 10 years, VWALX has underperformed PHMIX with an annualized return of 3.08%, while PHMIX has yielded a comparatively higher 3.70% annualized return.
VWALX
- 1D
- 0.38%
- 1M
- -2.23%
- YTD
- -0.26%
- 6M
- 1.36%
- 1Y
- 4.06%
- 3Y*
- 4.63%
- 5Y*
- 1.55%
- 10Y*
- 3.08%
PHMIX
- 1D
- 0.36%
- 1M
- -2.00%
- YTD
- 0.04%
- 6M
- 0.99%
- 1Y
- 3.34%
- 3Y*
- 5.46%
- 5Y*
- 1.65%
- 10Y*
- 3.70%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VWALX vs. PHMIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VWALX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than PHMIX's 0.55% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
VWALX vs. PHMIX — Risk / Return Rank
VWALX
PHMIX
VWALX vs. PHMIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX) and PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (PHMIX). 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.
| VWALX | PHMIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.79 | 0.66 | +0.13 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.08 | 0.91 | +0.17 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.22 | 1.17 | +0.05 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.97 | 0.93 | +0.04 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.01 | 2.66 | +0.35 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VWALX | PHMIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.79 | 0.66 | +0.13 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.33 | 0.34 | -0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.67 | 0.79 | -0.13 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.07 | 0.85 | +0.22 |
Correlation
The correlation between VWALX and PHMIX is 0.78, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
VWALX vs. PHMIX - Dividend Comparison
VWALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.14%, less than PHMIX's 4.58% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VWALX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares | 4.14% | 5.04% | 4.47% | 3.59% | 3.44% | 3.04% | 3.40% | 4.03% | 3.85% | 3.77% | 3.86% | 3.75% |
PHMIX PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund | 4.58% | 5.91% | 5.33% | 4.71% | 3.39% | 3.84% | 3.62% | 4.38% | 4.41% | 4.22% | 4.12% | 4.46% |
Drawdowns
VWALX vs. PHMIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VWALX drawdown since its inception was -17.24%, smaller than the maximum PHMIX drawdown of -35.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWALX and PHMIX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VWALX | PHMIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.24% | -35.54% | +18.30% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.63% | -5.41% | -0.22% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -17.24% | -18.96% | +1.72% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -17.24% | -18.96% | +1.72% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.50% | -2.35% | -0.15% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.18% | -5.00% | +2.82% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.81% | 1.89% | -0.08% |
Volatility
VWALX vs. PHMIX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX) is 1.29%, while PIMCO High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (PHMIX) has a volatility of 1.36%. This indicates that VWALX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PHMIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VWALX | PHMIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.29% | 1.36% | -0.07% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.00% | 2.17% | -0.17% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 5.71% | 5.69% | +0.02% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.76% | 4.83% | -0.07% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.62% | 4.68% | -0.06% |