FBALX vs. EFV
FBALX (Fidelity Balanced Fund) and EFV (iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF) are both funds - FBALX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Fidelity, while EFV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Value Index. FBALX is actively managed, while EFV is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FBALX returned 11.70%/yr vs 10.55%/yr for EFV. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FBALX charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for EFV.
Performance
FBALX vs. EFV - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FBALX achieves a 8.71% return, which is significantly lower than EFV's 10.56% return. Over the past 10 years, FBALX has outperformed EFV with an annualized return of 11.70%, while EFV has yielded a comparatively lower 10.55% annualized return.
FBALX
- 1D
- 1.52%
- 1M
- -0.11%
- YTD
- 8.71%
- 6M
- 9.51%
- 1Y
- 21.68%
- 3Y*
- 15.96%
- 5Y*
- 8.88%
- 10Y*
- 11.70%
EFV
- 1D
- 0.48%
- 1M
- 0.52%
- YTD
- 10.56%
- 6M
- 12.39%
- 1Y
- 27.62%
- 3Y*
- 21.79%
- 5Y*
- 12.36%
- 10Y*
- 10.55%
FBALX vs. EFV - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FBALX Fidelity Balanced Fund | 8.71% | 15.11% | 16.09% | 20.31% | -18.29% | 18.27% | 22.45% | 24.40% | -3.98% | 16.52% |
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF | 10.56% | 42.22% | 5.35% | 18.85% | -5.22% | 11.08% | -2.97% | 15.80% | -14.67% | 21.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between FBALX and EFV is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.68 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.62 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.68 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.72 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2005 | 0.79 |
The correlation between FBALX and EFV shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (3 years) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FBALX vs. EFV — Risk / Return Rank
FBALX
EFV
FBALX vs. EFV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX) and iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV). 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.
| FBALX | EFV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.55 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.74 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.47 | 1.34 | +0.13 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.44 | 2.55 | +0.89 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 16.08 | 9.40 | +6.68 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FBALX vs. EFV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FBALX drawdown since its inception was -43.57%, smaller than the maximum EFV drawdown of -63.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBALX and EFV.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FBALX | EFV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.57% | -63.94% | +20.37% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.47% | -10.90% | +4.43% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -12.88% | -13.72% | +0.84% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -22.89% | -25.84% | +2.95% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -26.68% | -43.16% | +16.48% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.44% | -1.24% | -0.20% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.37% | -14.81% | +10.44% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.38% | 2.96% | -1.58% |
Volatility
FBALX vs. EFV - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX) is 3.69%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) has a volatility of 4.62%. This indicates that FBALX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EFV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FBALX | EFV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.69% | 4.62% | -0.93% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 7.41% | 11.98% | -4.57% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 9.06% | 14.58% | -5.52% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 12.24% | 16.02% | -3.78% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 12.81% | 17.85% | -5.04% |
FBALX vs. EFV - Expense Ratio Comparison
FBALX has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than EFV's 0.39% expense ratio.
Dividends
FBALX vs. EFV - Dividend Comparison
FBALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.22%, more than EFV's 3.76% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF | 3.76% | 4.16% | 4.66% | 4.36% | 4.17% | 4.07% | 2.42% | 4.62% | 4.56% | 3.56% | 3.28% | 3.59% |
FBALX Fidelity Balanced Fund | 5.22% | 5.69% | 5.67% | 2.28% | 8.06% | 9.66% | 5.90% | 4.24% | 10.99% | 7.90% | 3.07% | 7.70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FBALX and EFV have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
EFV has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to FBALX (3.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FBALX dropped -43.57% vs EFV's -63.94%.
FBALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.90), 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.
Find the right allocation for FBALX and EFV
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer