CLBAX vs. BRUFX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

CLBAX (American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A) and BRUFX (Bruce Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, CLBAX returned 9.85%/yr vs 7.50%/yr for BRUFX. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CLBAX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for BRUFX.

Performance

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A (CLBAX) and Bruce Fund (BRUFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CLBAX achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly lower than BRUFX's 15.04% return. Over the past 10 years, CLBAX has outperformed BRUFX with an annualized return of 9.85%, while BRUFX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.50% annualized return.

CLBAX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 0.76%
• 6M: 6.88%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 1Y: 19.47%
• 3Y*: 16.89%
• 5Y*: 9.32%
• 10Y*: 9.85%

BRUFX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 3.18%
• 6M: 12.05%
• YTD: 15.04%
• 1Y: 26.15%
• 3Y*: 12.59%
• 5Y*: 5.79%
• 10Y*: 7.50%

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

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CLBAX American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A	9.48%	18.43%	14.96%	13.61%	-12.16%	15.70%	10.79%	18.51%	-3.43%	14.64%
BRUFX Bruce Fund	15.04%	14.89%	4.45%	-0.74%	-8.80%	17.35%	12.06%	22.42%	-3.99%	12.48%

Correlation

The correlation between CLBAX and BRUFX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2002	0.62

The correlation between CLBAX and BRUFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.68 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CLBAX vs. BRUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CLBAX

CLBAX Risk / Return Rank: 80
CLBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
CLBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
CLBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
CLBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
CLBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

BRUFX

BRUFX Risk / Return Rank: 88
BRUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
BRUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
BRUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
BRUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
BRUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A (CLBAX) and Bruce Fund (BRUFX). 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.

	CLBAX	BRUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.45	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	3.49	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.43	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	3.44	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.18	15.21	-3.03

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CLBAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the BRUFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CLBAX and BRUFX, 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

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CLBAX drawdown since its inception was -40.25%, smaller than the maximum BRUFX drawdown of -44.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CLBAX and BRUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CLBAX	BRUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.25%	-44.50%	+4.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.03%	-7.67%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.68%	-9.66%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.79%	-17.91%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.33%	-25.44%	+3.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	-1.10%	+0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.27%	-9.05%	+4.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.59%	1.73%	-0.14%

Volatility

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A (CLBAX) and Bruce Fund (BRUFX) have volatilities of 3.15% and 3.21%, 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

	CLBAX	BRUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.15%	3.21%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.38%	8.43%	-1.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.24%	10.79%	-1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.58%	10.57%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.68%	11.64%	-0.96%

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CLBAX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than BRUFX's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

CLBAX vs. BRUFX - Dividend Comparison

CLBAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.11%, more than BRUFX's 5.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRUFX Bruce Fund	5.52%	6.35%	5.01%	6.46%	13.31%	9.25%	5.83%	2.03%	2.49%	4.11%	6.26%	4.63%
CLBAX American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A	7.11%	8.26%	7.17%	2.03%	2.27%	4.27%	4.32%	3.43%	5.42%	4.67%	4.17%	5.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CLBAX and BRUFX in my portfolio?

CLBAX and BRUFX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CLBAX or BRUFX?

BRUFX has higher volatility (3.21%) compared to CLBAX (3.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CLBAX dropped -40.25% vs BRUFX's -44.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.11), 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.