WATIX vs. FEDUX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WATIX (Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund) and FEDUX (Fidelity Education Income Fund) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, WATIX returned 0.20%/yr vs -0.44%/yr for FEDUX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WATIX charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for FEDUX.

Performance

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund (WATIX) and Fidelity Education Income Fund (FEDUX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WATIX achieves a -0.32% return, which is significantly lower than FEDUX's 0.13% return.

WATIX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: -0.32%
• 6M: 0.04%
• 1Y: 3.49%
• 3Y*: 4.01%
• 5Y*: 0.20%
• 10Y*: 1.83%

FEDUX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 0.13%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 3.54%
• 3Y*: 2.65%
• 5Y*: -0.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
WATIX Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund	-0.32%	7.35%	2.10%	5.54%	-11.83%	-0.36%
FEDUX Fidelity Education Income Fund	0.13%	6.40%	-0.29%	1.62%	-8.38%	-1.27%

Correlation

The correlation between WATIX and FEDUX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 25, 2021	0.90

The correlation between WATIX and FEDUX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WATIX vs. FEDUX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WATIX

WATIX Risk / Return Rank: 19
WATIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
WATIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
WATIX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
WATIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
WATIX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

FEDUX

FEDUX Risk / Return Rank: 33
FEDUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
FEDUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
FEDUX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FEDUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
FEDUX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund (WATIX) and Fidelity Education Income Fund (FEDUX). 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.

	WATIX	FEDUX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.47	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.37	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.29	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.45	2.13	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.36	6.41	-2.05

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WATIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is comparable to the FEDUX Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WATIX and FEDUX, 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

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WATIX drawdown since its inception was -16.72%, which is greater than FEDUX's maximum drawdown of -12.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WATIX and FEDUX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WATIX	FEDUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.72%	-12.00%	-4.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.41%	-1.72%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.92%	-2.80%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.35%	-12.00%	-4.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-2.66%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.78%	-6.42%	+4.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.80%	0.57%	+0.23%

Volatility

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Volatility Comparison

Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund (WATIX) has a higher volatility of 1.04% compared to Fidelity Education Income Fund (FEDUX) at 0.85%. This indicates that WATIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FEDUX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WATIX	FEDUX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	0.85%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.24%	1.82%	+0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.00%	2.50%	+0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.52%	3.14%	+1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.80%	3.12%	+0.68%

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WATIX has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than FEDUX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

WATIX vs. FEDUX - Dividend Comparison

WATIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.67%, less than FEDUX's 4.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEDUX Fidelity Education Income Fund	4.40%	4.43%	0.36%	0.71%	0.00%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
WATIX Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund	3.67%	3.86%	3.02%	3.04%	2.11%	1.88%	4.88%	3.23%	2.80%	2.37%	4.30%	3.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WATIX and FEDUX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, WATIX and FEDUX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, WATIX or FEDUX?

WATIX has higher volatility (1.04%) compared to FEDUX (0.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WATIX dropped -16.72% vs FEDUX's -12.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEDUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs 1.17), 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.