BBALX vs. NOBOX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BBALX (Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund) and NOBOX (Northern Bond Index Fund) are both mutual funds - BBALX is a Global Allocation fund managed by Northern Funds, while NOBOX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Northern Funds. Over the past 10 years, BBALX returned 7.04%/yr vs 1.12%/yr for NOBOX. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. BBALX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for NOBOX.

Performance

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund (BBALX) and Northern Bond Index Fund (NOBOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBALX achieves a 7.50% return, which is significantly higher than NOBOX's 0.04% return. Over the past 10 years, BBALX has outperformed NOBOX with an annualized return of 7.04%, while NOBOX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.12% annualized return.

BBALX

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 0.83%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 7.43%
• 1Y: 17.99%
• 3Y*: 11.93%
• 5Y*: 6.07%
• 10Y*: 7.04%

NOBOX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 1.03%
• YTD: 0.04%
• 6M: 0.15%
• 1Y: 4.47%
• 3Y*: 3.31%
• 5Y*: -0.75%
• 10Y*: 1.12%

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

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BBALX Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund	7.50%	14.74%	8.00%	10.74%	-12.79%	11.17%	6.45%	17.62%	-7.89%	14.18%
NOBOX Northern Bond Index Fund	0.04%	6.14%	0.82%	4.86%	-13.84%	-2.10%	7.20%	8.73%	-0.17%	3.60%

Correlation

The correlation between BBALX and NOBOX is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2007	-0.02

The correlation between BBALX and NOBOX shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (all time) to 0.53 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BBALX vs. NOBOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBALX

BBALX Risk / Return Rank: 61
BBALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
BBALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
BBALX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
BBALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
BBALX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

NOBOX

NOBOX Risk / Return Rank: 18
NOBOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
NOBOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
NOBOX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
NOBOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
NOBOX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund (BBALX) and Northern Bond Index Fund (NOBOX). 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.

	BBALX	NOBOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.12	+0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	1.73	+1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.21	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	1.38	+1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.21	3.88	+8.32

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBALX Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is higher than the NOBOX Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBALX and NOBOX, 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

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBALX drawdown since its inception was -33.24%, which is greater than NOBOX's maximum drawdown of -20.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBALX and NOBOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBALX	NOBOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.24%	-20.03%	-13.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.42%	-3.28%	-3.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.72%	-6.27%	-3.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.75%	-19.15%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.33%	-20.03%	-6.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-5.92%	+5.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.48%	-3.55%	-1.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.50%	1.16%	+0.34%

Volatility

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Volatility Comparison

Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund (BBALX) has a higher volatility of 3.30% compared to Northern Bond Index Fund (NOBOX) at 1.34%. This indicates that BBALX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NOBOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBALX	NOBOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.30%	1.34%	+1.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.34%	3.09%	+4.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.86%	4.06%	+4.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.98%	6.10%	+3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.71%	5.03%	+5.68%

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBALX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is higher than NOBOX's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BBALX vs. NOBOX - Dividend Comparison

BBALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.71%, less than NOBOX's 3.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBALX Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund	2.71%	3.11%	3.28%	3.72%	7.22%	4.57%	6.63%	2.15%	4.23%	3.26%	3.01%	4.20%
NOBOX Northern Bond Index Fund	3.74%	2.88%	3.46%	2.63%	1.53%	2.10%	3.12%	3.18%	2.80%	2.77%	2.45%	2.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBALX and NOBOX in my portfolio?

BBALX and NOBOX have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBALX or NOBOX?

BBALX has higher volatility (3.30%) compared to NOBOX (1.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBALX dropped -33.24% vs NOBOX's -20.03%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.12), 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.