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.
Performance
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALFX American Funds American Balanced Fund | -1.17% | 18.40% | 14.91% | 13.62% | -12.19% | 15.69% | 10.81% | 18.50% | -3.54% | 14.63% |
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares | -2.43% | 13.61% | 14.58% | 17.54% | -16.90% | 14.21% | 16.40% | 21.78% | -2.86% | 13.89% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BALFX achieves a -1.17% return, which is significantly higher than VBIAX's -2.43% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with BALFX having a 9.12% annualized return and VBIAX not far behind at 8.97%.
BALFX
- 1D
- 1.76%
- 1M
- -4.90%
- YTD
- -1.17%
- 6M
- 2.02%
- 1Y
- 16.83%
- 3Y*
- 14.12%
- 5Y*
- 8.20%
- 10Y*
- 9.12%
VBIAX
- 1D
- 1.84%
- 1M
- -3.62%
- YTD
- -2.43%
- 6M
- -0.89%
- 1Y
- 12.55%
- 3Y*
- 12.24%
- 5Y*
- 6.52%
- 10Y*
- 8.97%
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. VBIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BALFX has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than VBIAX's 0.07% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
BALFX vs. VBIAX — Risk / Return Rank
BALFX
VBIAX
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends 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.
| BALFX | VBIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.55 | 1.14 | +0.41 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.27 | 1.70 | +0.57 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.32 | 1.25 | +0.07 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.42 | 1.71 | +0.70 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.08 | 8.03 | +2.04 |
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 | VBIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.55 | 1.14 | +0.41 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.79 | 0.59 | +0.20 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.86 | 0.80 | +0.06 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.65 | 0.61 | +0.04 |
Correlation
The correlation between BALFX and VBIAX is 0.97, 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.
Dividends
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Dividend Comparison
BALFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.34%, more than VBIAX's 5.74% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALFX American Funds American Balanced Fund | 8.34% | 8.22% | 7.14% | 2.02% | 2.24% | 4.24% | 4.31% | 3.44% | 5.30% | 4.66% | 4.18% | 5.54% |
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares | 5.74% | 6.00% | 5.27% | 4.35% | 2.83% | 3.19% | 2.65% | 2.28% | 2.32% | 1.95% | 2.09% | 2.09% |
Drawdowns
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BALFX drawdown since its inception was -40.20%, 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.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| BALFX | VBIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -40.20% | -35.90% | -4.30% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.34% | -7.78% | +0.44% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -18.81% | -21.53% | +2.72% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -22.34% | -22.78% | +0.44% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.39% | -4.10% | -1.29% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.18% | -4.47% | +0.29% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.76% | 1.66% | +0.10% |
Volatility
BALFX vs. VBIAX - Volatility Comparison
American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX) have volatilities of 3.89% and 3.71%, 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.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| BALFX | VBIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.89% | 3.71% | +0.18% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 6.97% | 6.20% | +0.77% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.21% | 11.39% | -0.18% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 10.44% | 11.05% | -0.61% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 10.62% | 11.18% | -0.56% |