VWSUX vs. LSMSX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWSUX) and Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX).
VWSUX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Feb 12, 2001. LSMSX is managed by Franklin Templeton. It was launched on Dec 22, 2015.
Performance
VWSUX vs. LSMSX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VWSUX vs. LSMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VWSUX Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares | 0.30% | 4.90% | 3.77% | 3.70% | -0.73% | 0.19% | 1.91% | 2.59% | 1.67% | 0.81% |
LSMSX Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund | 0.04% | 3.22% | 2.22% | 7.96% | -10.03% | 4.11% | 4.48% | 8.16% | 0.46% | 4.92% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VWSUX achieves a 0.30% return, which is significantly higher than LSMSX's 0.04% return.
VWSUX
- 1D
- 0.06%
- 1M
- -0.50%
- YTD
- 0.30%
- 6M
- 0.98%
- 1Y
- 3.57%
- 3Y*
- 3.86%
- 5Y*
- 2.40%
- 10Y*
- 1.94%
LSMSX
- 1D
- 0.31%
- 1M
- -2.02%
- YTD
- 0.04%
- 6M
- 1.43%
- 1Y
- 3.42%
- 3Y*
- 3.36%
- 5Y*
- 1.17%
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VWSUX vs. LSMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VWSUX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than LSMSX's 0.01% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Return for Risk
VWSUX vs. LSMSX — Risk / Return Rank
VWSUX
LSMSX
VWSUX vs. LSMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWSUX) and Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX). 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.
| VWSUX | LSMSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 2.59 | 0.69 | +1.91 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 4.85 | 0.91 | +3.94 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 2.16 | 1.20 | +0.96 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.22 | 0.67 | +3.55 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 18.88 | 1.88 | +17.00 |
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
| VWSUX | LSMSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.59 | 0.69 | +1.91 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 2.01 | 0.26 | +1.74 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 1.75 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 2.04 | 0.59 | +1.45 |
Correlation
The correlation between VWSUX and LSMSX is 0.55, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
VWSUX vs. LSMSX - Dividend Comparison
VWSUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.19%, less than LSMSX's 3.96% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VWSUX Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares | 3.19% | 4.00% | 3.82% | 2.27% | 1.24% | 0.63% | 1.26% | 1.79% | 1.53% | 1.16% | 0.97% | 0.78% |
LSMSX Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund | 3.96% | 3.83% | 4.30% | 3.37% | 2.38% | 2.73% | 2.33% | 2.55% | 2.34% | 0.90% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
VWSUX vs. LSMSX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VWSUX drawdown since its inception was -3.08%, smaller than the maximum LSMSX drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWSUX and LSMSX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VWSUX | LSMSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -3.08% | -15.00% | +11.92% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.01% | -6.21% | +5.20% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -2.23% | -15.00% | +12.77% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -3.08% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.63% | -2.32% | +1.69% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.15% | -2.88% | +2.73% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.23% | 2.22% | -1.99% |
Volatility
VWSUX vs. LSMSX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWSUX) is 0.28%, while Western Asset SMASh Series TF Fund (LSMSX) has a volatility of 1.16%. This indicates that VWSUX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LSMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VWSUX | LSMSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.28% | 1.16% | -0.88% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 0.76% | 1.63% | -0.87% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.53% | 5.77% | -4.24% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 1.20% | 4.45% | -3.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 1.11% | 4.52% | -3.41% |