BALFX vs. VBIAX
Compare and contrast key facts about American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX).
BALFX is managed by American Funds. It was launched on Mar 15, 2001. VBIAX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Nov 13, 2000.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: BALFX or VBIAX.
Key characteristics
| BALFX | VBIAX | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 15.70% | 15.60% |
| 1Y Return | 24.72% | 22.70% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 5.44% | 2.63% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 8.88% | 7.75% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 8.34% | 7.72% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 2.93 | 2.59 |
| Sortino Ratio | 4.17 | 3.53 |
| Omega Ratio | 1.56 | 1.50 |
| Calmar Ratio | 3.39 | 1.82 |
| Martin Ratio | 20.16 | 15.91 |
| Ulcer Index | 1.22% | 1.42% |
| Daily Std Dev | 8.41% | 8.75% |
| Max Drawdown | -39.30% | -35.90% |
| Current Drawdown | -0.76% | -0.43% |
Correlation
The correlation between BALFX and VBIAX is 0.96, 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.
Performance
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Performance Comparison
The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BALFX having a 15.70% return and VBIAX slightly lower at 15.60%. Over the past 10 years, BALFX has outperformed VBIAX with an annualized return of 8.34%, while VBIAX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.72% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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BALFX vs. VBIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BALFX has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than VBIAX's 0.07% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX). 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.
Dividends
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Dividend Comparison
BALFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, more than VBIAX's 2.02% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALFX American Funds American Balanced Fund | 2.09% | 2.31% | 1.63% | 1.13% | 1.28% | 1.85% | 2.02% | 1.71% | 1.71% | 2.40% | 8.02% | 1.51% |
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares | 2.02% | 2.04% | 1.93% | 1.39% | 1.66% | 2.12% | 2.32% | 1.95% | 2.09% | 2.09% | 1.92% | 1.85% |
Drawdowns
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BALFX drawdown since its inception was -39.30%, which is greater than VBIAX's maximum drawdown of -35.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALFX and VBIAX. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Volatility Comparison
American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX) have volatilities of 2.42% and 2.47%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.