CTHAX vs. ABALX
Compare and contrast key facts about American Funds College 2030 Fund (CTHAX) and American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A (ABALX).
CTHAX is managed by American Funds. It was launched on Sep 13, 2012. ABALX is managed by American Funds. It was launched on Jul 26, 1975.
Performance
CTHAX vs. ABALX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
CTHAX vs. ABALX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTHAX American Funds College 2030 Fund | -1.09% | 11.55% | 7.66% | 9.26% | -11.69% | 9.28% | 10.86% | 16.63% | -3.63% | 15.27% |
ABALX American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A | -2.86% | 18.45% | 14.63% | 13.65% | -12.13% | 15.75% | 10.85% | 18.60% | -3.35% | 14.69% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, CTHAX achieves a -1.09% return, which is significantly higher than ABALX's -2.86% return. Over the past 10 years, CTHAX has underperformed ABALX with an annualized return of 6.57%, while ABALX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.98% annualized return.
CTHAX
- 1D
- 0.29%
- 1M
- -3.75%
- YTD
- -1.09%
- 6M
- 0.61%
- 1Y
- 7.77%
- 3Y*
- 8.00%
- 5Y*
- 4.22%
- 10Y*
- 6.57%
ABALX
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- -6.82%
- YTD
- -2.86%
- 6M
- 0.85%
- 1Y
- 15.33%
- 3Y*
- 13.40%
- 5Y*
- 8.00%
- 10Y*
- 8.98%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
CTHAX vs. ABALX - Expense Ratio Comparison
CTHAX has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than ABALX's 0.56% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
CTHAX vs. ABALX — Risk / Return Rank
CTHAX
ABALX
CTHAX vs. ABALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds College 2030 Fund (CTHAX) and American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A (ABALX). 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.
| CTHAX | ABALX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.44 | 1.43 | +0.01 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.93 | 2.09 | -0.16 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.31 | 1.29 | +0.01 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.93 | 2.00 | -0.07 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.67 | 8.51 | -0.84 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| CTHAX | ABALX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.44 | 1.43 | +0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.63 | 0.77 | -0.14 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.84 | 0.85 | -0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.82 | 0.79 | +0.04 |
Correlation
The correlation between CTHAX and ABALX is 0.92, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
CTHAX vs. ABALX - Dividend Comparison
CTHAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.61%, less than ABALX's 8.54% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTHAX American Funds College 2030 Fund | 5.61% | 5.55% | 3.94% | 2.98% | 4.05% | 12.40% | 5.63% | 4.55% | 6.43% | 3.74% | 4.26% | 4.01% |
ABALX American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A | 8.54% | 8.27% | 6.87% | 2.05% | 2.30% | 4.30% | 4.35% | 3.49% | 5.49% | 4.72% | 4.24% | 5.60% |
Drawdowns
CTHAX vs. ABALX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum CTHAX drawdown since its inception was -17.17%, smaller than the maximum ABALX drawdown of -40.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTHAX and ABALX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| CTHAX | ABALX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.17% | -40.20% | +23.03% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -4.11% | -7.33% | +3.22% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -17.11% | -18.76% | +1.65% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -17.17% | -22.34% | +5.17% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.75% | -7.03% | +3.28% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.83% | -3.86% | +1.03% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.03% | 1.73% | -0.70% |
Volatility
CTHAX vs. ABALX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for American Funds College 2030 Fund (CTHAX) is 1.94%, while American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A (ABALX) has a volatility of 3.26%. This indicates that CTHAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ABALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| CTHAX | ABALX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.94% | 3.26% | -1.32% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.14% | 6.74% | -3.60% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 5.66% | 11.11% | -5.45% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.75% | 10.42% | -3.67% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 7.87% | 10.61% | -2.74% |