CTLAX vs. VTMFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CTLAX (American Funds College 2033 Fund) and VTMFX (Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, CTLAX returned 8.77%/yr vs 8.70%/yr for VTMFX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CTLAX charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VTMFX.

Performance

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds College 2033 Fund (CTLAX) and Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTLAX achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly lower than VTMFX's 5.23% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with CTLAX having a 8.77% annualized return and VTMFX not far behind at 8.70%.

CTLAX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 4.02%
• 1Y: 12.15%
• 3Y*: 12.15%
• 5Y*: 5.68%
• 10Y*: 8.77%

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)

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CTLAX American Funds College 2033 Fund	4.10%	13.98%	10.56%	13.56%	-15.16%	10.61%	15.49%	19.46%	-5.83%	19.33%
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 CTLAX and VTMFX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2015	0.92

The correlation between CTLAX and VTMFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CTLAX vs. VTMFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTLAX

CTLAX Risk / Return Rank: 56
CTLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
CTLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
CTLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
CTLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
CTLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds College 2033 Fund (CTLAX) 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.

	CTLAX	VTMFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.43	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	3.42	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.46	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	2.91	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.54	13.60	-3.06

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTLAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the VTMFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTLAX 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

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTLAX drawdown since its inception was -21.42%, smaller than the maximum VTMFX drawdown of -28.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTLAX and VTMFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTLAX	VTMFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.42%	-28.49%	+7.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.22%	-5.38%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.07%	-10.61%	+3.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.42%	-17.40%	-4.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-21.42%	-21.87%	+0.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.75%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.11%	-3.54%	-0.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.20%	1.15%	+0.05%

Volatility

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds College 2033 Fund (CTLAX) is 2.04%, while Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX) has a volatility of 2.45%. This indicates that CTLAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTMFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTLAX	VTMFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.04%	2.45%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.94%	5.18%	-0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.14%	6.46%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.81%	8.57%	+0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.11%	9.15%	+0.96%

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTLAX has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than VTMFX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTLAX vs. VTMFX - Dividend Comparison

CTLAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.11%, more than VTMFX's 2.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTLAX American Funds College 2033 Fund	7.11%	7.40%	3.80%	2.43%	4.56%	11.46%	6.06%	4.75%	4.36%	2.19%	2.26%	0.00%
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 CTLAX and VTMFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, CTLAX 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, CTLAX or VTMFX?

VTMFX has higher volatility (2.45%) compared to CTLAX (2.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTLAX dropped -21.42% vs VTMFX's -28.49%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTMFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 2.06), 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.