CGUS vs. GFAFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

CGUS (Capital Group Core Equity ETF) and GFAFX (American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1) are both funds - CGUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while GFAFX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by American Funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CGUS returned 21.52%/yr vs 23.87%/yr for GFAFX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CGUS charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for GFAFX.

Performance

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) and American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with CGUS at 8.69% and GFAFX at 8.69%.

CGUS

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -0.18%
• YTD: 8.69%
• 6M: 7.74%
• 1Y: 21.34%
• 3Y*: 21.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GFAFX

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 8.69%
• 6M: 7.78%
• 1Y: 22.71%
• 3Y*: 23.87%
• 5Y*: 11.42%
• 10Y*: 16.21%

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

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CGUS Capital Group Core Equity ETF	8.69%	16.21%	24.89%	27.72%	-4.78%
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1	8.69%	19.66%	27.96%	37.15%	-16.14%

Correlation

The correlation between CGUS and GFAFX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.95

The correlation between CGUS and GFAFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CGUS vs. GFAFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGUS

CGUS Risk / Return Rank: 54
CGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
CGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
CGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 54
CGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
CGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

GFAFX

GFAFX Risk / Return Rank: 29
GFAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GFAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
GFAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
GFAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
GFAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) and American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX). 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.

	CGUS	GFAFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	1.48	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	2.04	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.27	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	1.74	+0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.16	6.66	+3.51

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the GFAFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGUS and GFAFX, 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

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGUS drawdown since its inception was -21.86%, smaller than the maximum GFAFX drawdown of -51.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGUS and GFAFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGUS	GFAFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.86%	-51.87%	+30.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-13.79%	+4.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.06%	-21.57%	+3.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-36.41%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.87%	-1.57%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.60%	-8.60%	+4.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.10%	3.60%	-1.50%

Volatility

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) is 4.95%, while American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX) has a volatility of 6.78%. This indicates that CGUS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GFAFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGUS	GFAFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	6.78%	-1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.31%	13.02%	-2.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.03%	16.32%	-3.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.50%	20.43%	-3.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.50%	19.78%	-3.28%

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGUS has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is lower than GFAFX's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGUS vs. GFAFX - Dividend Comparison

CGUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, less than GFAFX's 9.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGUS Capital Group Core Equity ETF	0.88%	0.95%	1.02%	1.22%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1	9.89%	10.75%	9.01%	7.41%	4.02%	8.16%	4.28%	7.14%	11.96%	6.98%	6.60%	8.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGUS and GFAFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, CGUS and GFAFX 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, CGUS or GFAFX?

GFAFX has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to CGUS (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGUS dropped -21.86% vs GFAFX's -51.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 1.48), 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.