BBALX vs. RAAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BBALX (Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund) and RAAX (VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF) are both funds - BBALX is a Global Allocation fund managed by Northern Funds, while RAAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by VanEck. Over the past 5 years, BBALX returned 6.07%/yr vs 13.22%/yr for RAAX. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BBALX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for RAAX.

Performance

BBALX vs. RAAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund (BBALX) and VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF (RAAX). 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 lower than RAAX's 15.23% 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%

RAAX

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -3.36%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 6M: 13.95%
• 1Y: 29.98%
• 3Y*: 21.10%
• 5Y*: 13.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

BBALX vs. RAAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BBALX Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund	7.50%	14.74%	8.00%	10.74%	-12.79%	11.17%	6.45%	17.62%	-6.51%
RAAX VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF	15.23%	26.74%	12.50%	6.71%	1.51%	21.56%	-8.27%	6.14%	-2.41%

Correlation

The correlation between BBALX and RAAX is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2018	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between BBALX and RAAX has dropped to 0.33 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BBALX vs. RAAX — 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

RAAX

RAAX Risk / Return Rank: 71
RAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
RAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
RAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
RAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
RAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. RAAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund (BBALX) and VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF (RAAX). 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	RAAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.11	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.80	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.38	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	4.20	-1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.21	14.15	-1.94

BBALX vs. RAAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBALX Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the RAAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBALX and RAAX, 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. RAAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBALX drawdown since its inception was -33.24%, roughly equal to the maximum RAAX drawdown of -33.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBALX and RAAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBALX	RAAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.24%	-33.91%	+0.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.42%	-7.17%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.72%	-11.59%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.75%	-23.55%	+4.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.33%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-5.74%	+5.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.48%	-6.77%	+1.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.50%	2.13%	-0.63%

Volatility

BBALX vs. RAAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund (BBALX) is 3.30%, while VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF (RAAX) has a volatility of 4.69%. This indicates that BBALX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RAAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBALX	RAAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.30%	4.69%	-1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.34%	12.28%	-4.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.86%	14.28%	-5.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.98%	15.66%	-5.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.71%	15.78%	-5.07%

BBALX vs. RAAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBALX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than RAAX's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBALX vs. RAAX - Dividend Comparison

BBALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.71%, more than RAAX's 2.03% 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%
RAAX VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF	2.03%	2.34%	1.91%	3.66%	1.53%	8.72%	6.27%	2.37%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBALX and RAAX in my portfolio?

BBALX and RAAX have a correlation of 0.33, 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 RAAX?

RAAX has higher volatility (4.69%) compared to BBALX (3.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBALX dropped -33.24% vs RAAX's -33.91%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 2.08), 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.