BALFX vs. NWQIX
Compare and contrast key facts about American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) and Nuveen Flexible Income Fund (NWQIX).
BALFX is managed by American Funds. It was launched on Mar 15, 2001. NWQIX is managed by Nuveen. It was launched on Dec 8, 2009.
Performance
BALFX vs. NWQIX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
BALFX vs. NWQIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALFX American Funds American Balanced Fund | -2.88% | 18.40% | 14.91% | 13.62% | -12.19% | 15.69% | 10.81% | 18.50% | -3.54% | 14.63% |
NWQIX Nuveen Flexible Income Fund | -0.33% | 12.22% | 6.03% | 11.61% | -13.64% | 4.94% | 5.54% | 18.57% | -4.07% | 9.18% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BALFX achieves a -2.88% return, which is significantly lower than NWQIX's -0.33% return. Over the past 10 years, BALFX has outperformed NWQIX with an annualized return of 8.93%, while NWQIX has yielded a comparatively lower 5.38% annualized return.
BALFX
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- -6.82%
- YTD
- -2.88%
- 6M
- 0.82%
- 1Y
- 15.28%
- 3Y*
- 13.46%
- 5Y*
- 8.01%
- 10Y*
- 8.93%
NWQIX
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- -2.94%
- YTD
- -0.33%
- 6M
- 2.27%
- 1Y
- 10.77%
- 3Y*
- 9.04%
- 5Y*
- 3.81%
- 10Y*
- 5.38%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
BALFX vs. NWQIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BALFX has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is lower than NWQIX's 0.70% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
BALFX vs. NWQIX — Risk / Return Rank
BALFX
NWQIX
BALFX vs. NWQIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) and Nuveen Flexible Income Fund (NWQIX). 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.
| BALFX | NWQIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.42 | 2.58 | -1.16 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.08 | 3.49 | -1.41 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.56 | -0.26 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.99 | 2.91 | -0.92 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.46 | 11.90 | -3.44 |
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
| BALFX | NWQIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.42 | 2.58 | -1.16 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.77 | 0.68 | +0.09 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.85 | 0.86 | -0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.65 | 0.72 | -0.08 |
Correlation
The correlation between BALFX and NWQIX is 0.67, 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
BALFX vs. NWQIX - Dividend Comparison
BALFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.48%, more than NWQIX's 5.75% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALFX American Funds American Balanced Fund | 8.48% | 8.22% | 7.14% | 2.02% | 2.24% | 4.24% | 4.31% | 3.44% | 5.30% | 4.66% | 4.18% | 5.54% |
NWQIX Nuveen Flexible Income Fund | 5.75% | 6.52% | 5.20% | 7.84% | 7.02% | 4.39% | 4.82% | 5.71% | 6.23% | 5.67% | 5.52% | 5.70% |
Drawdowns
BALFX vs. NWQIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BALFX drawdown since its inception was -40.20%, which is greater than NWQIX's maximum drawdown of -23.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALFX and NWQIX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| BALFX | NWQIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -40.20% | -23.89% | -16.31% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.34% | -3.75% | -3.59% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -18.81% | -17.75% | -1.06% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -22.34% | -23.89% | +1.55% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -7.03% | -2.94% | -4.09% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.18% | -3.04% | -1.14% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.73% | 0.92% | +0.81% |
Volatility
BALFX vs. NWQIX - Volatility Comparison
American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) has a higher volatility of 3.28% compared to Nuveen Flexible Income Fund (NWQIX) at 1.50%. This indicates that BALFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NWQIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| BALFX | NWQIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.28% | 1.50% | +1.78% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 6.75% | 2.76% | +3.99% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.10% | 4.41% | +6.69% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 10.41% | 5.64% | +4.77% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 10.61% | 6.31% | +4.30% |