BTBFX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BTBFX (Boston Trust Asset Management Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, BTBFX returned 8.63%/yr vs 9.79%/yr for VBAIX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BTBFX charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Boston Trust Asset Management Fund (BTBFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BTBFX achieves a 3.79% return, which is significantly lower than VBAIX's 6.53% return. Over the past 10 years, BTBFX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 8.63%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.79% annualized return.

BTBFX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.15%
• 6M: 2.82%
• YTD: 3.79%
• 1Y: 9.10%
• 3Y*: 8.89%
• 5Y*: 5.37%
• 10Y*: 8.63%

VBAIX

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 0.49%
• 6M: 5.05%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 1Y: 14.31%
• 3Y*: 14.51%
• 5Y*: 7.83%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

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

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BTBFX Boston Trust Asset Management Fund	3.79%	7.87%	11.17%	13.73%	-14.62%	21.64%	7.89%	25.88%	-1.60%	14.60%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	6.53%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between BTBFX and VBAIX is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2000	0.93

The correlation between BTBFX and VBAIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (1 year) to 0.93 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BTBFX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTBFX

BTBFX Risk / Return Rank: 28
BTBFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
BTBFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
BTBFX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
BTBFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BTBFX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Boston Trust Asset Management Fund (BTBFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	BTBFX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.74	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	2.47	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.32	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	2.49	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.56	10.90	-5.35

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTBFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTBFX and VBAIX, 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

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTBFX drawdown since its inception was -27.87%, smaller than the maximum VBAIX drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTBFX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTBFX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.87%	-35.82%	+7.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.67%	-5.84%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.80%	-11.57%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.02%	-21.52%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.56%	-22.77%	-2.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.81%	+0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.51%	-4.41%	+0.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.62%	1.33%	+0.29%

Volatility

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

Boston Trust Asset Management Fund (BTBFX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) have volatilities of 2.71% and 2.70%, 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

	BTBFX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	2.70%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.10%	6.78%	-0.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.85%	8.39%	-0.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.51%	11.18%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.99%	11.24%	+1.75%

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTBFX has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTBFX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

BTBFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.46%, more than VBAIX's 5.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTBFX Boston Trust Asset Management Fund	11.46%	11.89%	6.29%	6.46%	4.60%	1.48%	5.60%	0.99%	4.35%	1.05%	5.14%	5.92%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.35%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTBFX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

BTBFX and VBAIX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTBFX or VBAIX?

BTBFX has higher volatility (2.71%) compared to VBAIX (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTBFX dropped -27.87% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 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.