BRUFX vs. AVEFX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BRUFX (Bruce Fund) and AVEFX (Ave Maria Bond Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, BRUFX returned 7.70%/yr vs 3.81%/yr for AVEFX. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BRUFX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for AVEFX.

Performance

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bruce Fund (BRUFX) and Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRUFX achieves a 12.67% return, which is significantly higher than AVEFX's 0.95% return. Over the past 10 years, BRUFX has outperformed AVEFX with an annualized return of 7.70%, while AVEFX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.81% annualized return.

BRUFX

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 12.67%
• 6M: 11.85%
• 1Y: 26.01%
• 3Y*: 11.92%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 7.70%

AVEFX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: -0.58%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 3.51%
• 3Y*: 5.65%
• 5Y*: 2.83%
• 10Y*: 3.81%

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

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRUFX Bruce Fund	12.67%	14.89%	4.45%	-0.74%	-8.80%	17.35%	12.06%	22.42%	-3.99%	12.48%
AVEFX Ave Maria Bond Fund	0.95%	5.63%	5.71%	5.16%	-2.84%	4.38%	5.60%	8.30%	0.41%	4.16%

Correlation

The correlation between BRUFX and AVEFX is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2003	0.56

The correlation between BRUFX and AVEFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BRUFX vs. AVEFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRUFX

BRUFX Risk / Return Rank: 83
BRUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BRUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
BRUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
BRUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
BRUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

AVEFX

AVEFX Risk / Return Rank: 20
AVEFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
AVEFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
AVEFX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
AVEFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
AVEFX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bruce Fund (BRUFX) and Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX). 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.

	BRUFX	AVEFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	1.15	+1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	1.72	+1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.20	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	1.22	+2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.52	3.10	+11.42

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRUFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is higher than the AVEFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRUFX and AVEFX, 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

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRUFX drawdown since its inception was -44.50%, which is greater than AVEFX's maximum drawdown of -10.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRUFX and AVEFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRUFX	AVEFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.50%	-10.24%	-34.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.67%	-2.83%	-4.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.66%	-2.83%	-6.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.91%	-7.57%	-10.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.44%	-10.24%	-15.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.59%	+2.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.06%	-0.97%	-8.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	1.11%	+0.62%

Volatility

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Volatility Comparison

Bruce Fund (BRUFX) has a higher volatility of 3.06% compared to Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX) at 0.91%. This indicates that BRUFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVEFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRUFX	AVEFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	0.91%	+2.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.23%	2.31%	+5.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.63%	2.99%	+7.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.53%	4.13%	+6.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.62%	4.02%	+7.60%

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRUFX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than AVEFX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRUFX vs. AVEFX - Dividend Comparison

BRUFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.64%, more than AVEFX's 3.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVEFX Ave Maria Bond Fund	3.48%	3.51%	2.94%	2.47%	3.59%	2.32%	2.43%	3.31%	3.21%	2.04%	2.94%	1.89%
BRUFX Bruce Fund	5.64%	6.35%	5.01%	6.46%	13.31%	9.25%	5.83%	2.03%	2.49%	4.11%	6.26%	4.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRUFX and AVEFX in my portfolio?

BRUFX and AVEFX have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRUFX or AVEFX?

BRUFX has higher volatility (3.06%) compared to AVEFX (0.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRUFX dropped -44.50% vs AVEFX's -10.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.15), 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.