BFFAX vs. FTBFX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BFFAX (American Funds The Bond Fund of America Class F-3) and FTBFX (Fidelity Total Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - BFFAX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by American Funds, while FTBFX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Fidelity. Over the past 5 years, BFFAX returned 0.05%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for FTBFX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BFFAX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FTBFX.

Performance

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds The Bond Fund of America Class F-3 (BFFAX) and Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BFFAX achieves a 0.24% return, which is significantly lower than FTBFX's 0.57% return.

BFFAX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.36%
• 1Y: 5.40%
• 3Y*: 4.04%
• 5Y*: 0.05%
• 10Y*: —

FTBFX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 0.57%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 5.75%
• 3Y*: 4.84%
• 5Y*: 0.72%
• 10Y*: 2.47%

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

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BFFAX American Funds The Bond Fund of America Class F-3	0.24%	7.54%	1.54%	4.39%	-13.00%	-0.97%	11.12%	8.17%	0.22%	3.07%
FTBFX Fidelity Total Bond Fund	0.57%	7.50%	2.13%	7.25%	-13.58%	-0.44%	9.34%	9.89%	-0.66%	3.73%

Correlation

The correlation between BFFAX and FTBFX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2017	0.95

The correlation between BFFAX and FTBFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BFFAX vs. FTBFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BFFAX

BFFAX Risk / Return Rank: 20
BFFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
BFFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
BFFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
BFFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BFFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

FTBFX

FTBFX Risk / Return Rank: 24
FTBFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
FTBFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
FTBFX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FTBFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
FTBFX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds The Bond Fund of America Class F-3 (BFFAX) and Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX). 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.

	BFFAX	FTBFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	1.40	-0.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	2.10	-0.13
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.25	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	2.08	-0.26
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	6.41	-0.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BFFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is comparable to the FTBFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BFFAX and FTBFX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BFFAX	FTBFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.30	1.40	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	0.13	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.93	-0.49

Drawdowns

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BFFAX drawdown since its inception was -17.74%, roughly equal to the maximum FTBFX drawdown of -18.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BFFAX and FTBFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BFFAX	FTBFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.74%	-18.25%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.08%	-2.89%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.10%	-5.82%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.74%	-18.25%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-1.31%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.69%	-2.32%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	0.94%	+0.08%

Volatility

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds The Bond Fund of America Class F-3 (BFFAX) and Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX) have volatilities of 1.40% and 1.40%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	BFFAX	FTBFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.40%	1.40%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.85%	2.81%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.97%	3.89%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.96%	5.67%	+0.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.00%	4.73%	+0.27%

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFFAX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than FTBFX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFFAX vs. FTBFX - Dividend Comparison

BFFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.50%, more than FTBFX's 4.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BFFAX American Funds The Bond Fund of America Class F-3	4.50%	4.48%	4.67%	3.28%	2.46%	1.98%	5.38%	3.80%	2.72%	2.01%	0.00%	0.00%
FTBFX Fidelity Total Bond Fund	4.36%	4.36%	4.15%	4.15%	2.54%	1.89%	5.22%	3.03%	3.19%	2.97%	3.61%	3.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BFFAX and FTBFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, BFFAX and FTBFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BFFAX or FTBFX?

FTBFX has higher volatility (1.40%) compared to BFFAX (1.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BFFAX dropped -17.74% vs FTBFX's -18.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTBFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 1.30), 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.