AGTHX vs. RFNGX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AGTHX (American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A) and RFNGX (American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R6) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Capital Group. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, AGTHX returned 16.05%/yr vs 15.25%/yr for RFNGX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AGTHX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for RFNGX.

Performance

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A (AGTHX) and American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R6 (RFNGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AGTHX achieves a 6.60% return, which is significantly lower than RFNGX's 12.45% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with AGTHX having a 16.05% annualized return and RFNGX not far behind at 15.25%.

AGTHX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 5.41%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 23.13%
• 5Y*: 10.84%
• 10Y*: 16.05%

RFNGX

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: -0.83%
• YTD: 12.45%
• 6M: 11.71%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 24.80%
• 5Y*: 14.32%
• 10Y*: 15.25%

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

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AGTHX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A	6.60%	19.73%	28.02%	37.22%	-30.75%	19.32%	37.83%	28.16%	-3.15%	26.14%
RFNGX American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R6	12.45%	24.58%	22.77%	26.25%	-16.38%	22.83%	13.72%	27.48%	-7.09%	23.15%

Correlation

The correlation between AGTHX and RFNGX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2010	0.96

The correlation between AGTHX and RFNGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AGTHX vs. RFNGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AGTHX

AGTHX Risk / Return Rank: 22
AGTHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
AGTHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
AGTHX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
AGTHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
AGTHX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

RFNGX

RFNGX Risk / Return Rank: 62
RFNGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
RFNGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
RFNGX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
RFNGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
RFNGX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A (AGTHX) and American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R6 (RFNGX). 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.

	AGTHX	RFNGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.90	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	2.58	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.34	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	2.61	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.10	11.73	-6.64

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AGTHX Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is lower than the RFNGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AGTHX and RFNGX, 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

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AGTHX drawdown since its inception was -51.91%, which is greater than RFNGX's maximum drawdown of -33.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AGTHX and RFNGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AGTHX	RFNGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.91%	-33.90%	-18.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.76%	-10.62%	-3.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.57%	-17.92%	-3.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.38%	-24.88%	-11.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.38%	-33.90%	-2.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.49%	-2.46%	-1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.19%	-4.01%	-5.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	2.36%	+1.25%

Volatility

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A (AGTHX) has a higher volatility of 7.16% compared to American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R6 (RFNGX) at 5.89%. This indicates that AGTHX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFNGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AGTHX	RFNGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	5.89%	+1.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.12%	11.78%	+1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.41%	14.72%	+1.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.45%	16.96%	+3.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.75%	17.76%	+1.99%

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AGTHX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than RFNGX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

AGTHX vs. RFNGX - Dividend Comparison

AGTHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.03%, more than RFNGX's 7.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AGTHX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A	10.03%	10.69%	8.99%	7.40%	4.05%	8.18%	4.30%	7.15%	11.99%	7.03%	6.61%	8.87%
RFNGX American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R6	7.70%	8.82%	8.91%	6.10%	5.33%	11.29%	1.77%	7.21%	10.67%	7.56%	5.01%	6.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AGTHX and RFNGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AGTHX and RFNGX 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, AGTHX or RFNGX?

AGTHX has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to RFNGX (5.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AGTHX dropped -51.91% vs RFNGX's -33.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFNGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.13), 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.