CLBAX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

CLBAX (American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. CLBAX is actively managed, while VBAIX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CLBAX returned 9.85%/yr vs 9.90%/yr for VBAIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CLBAX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

CLBAX vs. VBAIX - 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 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, CLBAX achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly higher than VBAIX's 7.02% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with CLBAX having a 9.85% annualized return and VBAIX not far ahead at 9.90%.

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%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 0.95%
• 6M: 5.55%
• YTD: 7.02%
• 1Y: 15.00%
• 3Y*: 15.52%
• 5Y*: 7.87%
• 10Y*: 9.90%

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

CLBAX vs. VBAIX - 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%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.02%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between CLBAX and VBAIX 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 (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2002	0.97

The correlation between CLBAX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CLBAX vs. VBAIX — 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

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. VBAIX - 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 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.

	CLBAX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.77	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	2.52	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.32	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	2.53	+0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.18	11.10	+1.09

CLBAX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CLBAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CLBAX 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

CLBAX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CLBAX drawdown since its inception was -40.25%, which is greater than VBAIX's maximum drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CLBAX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CLBAX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.25%	-35.82%	-4.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.03%	-5.84%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.68%	-11.57%	+0.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.79%	-21.52%	+2.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.33%	-22.77%	+0.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	-0.36%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.27%	-4.41%	+0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.59%	1.33%	+0.26%

Volatility

CLBAX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds American Balanced Fund Class 529-A (CLBAX) has a higher volatility of 3.15% compared to Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) at 2.83%. This indicates that CLBAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CLBAX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.15%	2.83%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.38%	6.75%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.24%	8.37%	+0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.58%	11.18%	-0.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.68%	11.24%	-0.56%

CLBAX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CLBAX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

CLBAX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

CLBAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.11%, more than VBAIX's 5.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.33%	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 CLBAX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, CLBAX and VBAIX 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, CLBAX or VBAIX?

CLBAX has higher volatility (3.15%) compared to VBAIX (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CLBAX dropped -40.25% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CLBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.77), 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.