CBLAX vs. VTMFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CBLAX (Columbia Balanced Fund Class A) and VTMFX (Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. CBLAX is actively managed, while VTMFX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CBLAX returned 9.94%/yr vs 8.70%/yr for VTMFX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CBLAX charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VTMFX.

Performance

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Balanced Fund Class A (CBLAX) and Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with CBLAX having a 5.35% return and VTMFX slightly lower at 5.23%. Over the past 10 years, CBLAX has outperformed VTMFX with an annualized return of 9.94%, while VTMFX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.70% annualized return.

CBLAX

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 0.70%
• YTD: 5.35%
• 6M: 4.95%
• 1Y: 16.03%
• 3Y*: 14.17%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: 9.94%

VTMFX

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 5.23%
• 6M: 4.83%
• 1Y: 14.99%
• 3Y*: 12.08%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 8.70%

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

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CBLAX Columbia Balanced Fund Class A	5.35%	13.86%	14.30%	21.20%	-16.84%	14.64%	17.59%	22.75%	-5.98%	14.01%
VTMFX Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares	5.23%	11.28%	12.17%	15.55%	-12.69%	13.10%	13.31%	18.01%	-1.40%	12.61%

Correlation

The correlation between CBLAX and VTMFX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2002	0.97

The correlation between CBLAX and VTMFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CBLAX vs. VTMFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CBLAX

CBLAX Risk / Return Rank: 50
CBLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
CBLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
CBLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
CBLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
CBLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

VTMFX

VTMFX Risk / Return Rank: 76
VTMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VTMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VTMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VTMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VTMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Balanced Fund Class A (CBLAX) and Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX). 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.

	CBLAX	VTMFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.43	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	3.42	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.46	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.91	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	13.60	-3.18

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CBLAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the VTMFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CBLAX and VTMFX, 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

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBLAX drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, which is greater than VTMFX's maximum drawdown of -28.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBLAX and VTMFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBLAX	VTMFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-28.49%	-6.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.69%	-5.38%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.11%	-10.61%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.05%	-17.40%	-3.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.75%	-21.87%	-0.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-0.75%	-0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.54%	-3.54%	0.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.61%	1.15%	+0.46%

Volatility

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Balanced Fund Class A (CBLAX) has a higher volatility of 3.69% compared to Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX) at 2.45%. This indicates that CBLAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTMFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CBLAX	VTMFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.69%	2.45%	+1.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.11%	5.18%	+1.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.83%	6.46%	+2.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.18%	8.57%	+2.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.40%	9.15%	+2.25%

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CBLAX has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than VTMFX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

CBLAX vs. VTMFX - Dividend Comparison

CBLAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.96%, more than VTMFX's 2.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CBLAX Columbia Balanced Fund Class A	5.96%	6.16%	7.55%	1.60%	5.07%	8.98%	5.07%	3.91%	5.53%	2.55%	1.35%	3.78%
VTMFX Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares	2.12%	2.14%	2.08%	1.94%	1.85%	1.38%	1.72%	2.05%	2.22%	2.00%	2.13%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CBLAX and VTMFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, CBLAX and VTMFX 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, CBLAX or VTMFX?

CBLAX has higher volatility (3.69%) compared to VTMFX (2.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CBLAX dropped -34.71% vs VTMFX's -28.49%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTMFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.91), 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.