FSRTX vs. CBLAX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

FSRTX (Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class M) and CBLAX (Columbia Balanced Fund Class A) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, FSRTX returned 5.13%/yr vs 9.65%/yr for CBLAX. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSRTX charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for CBLAX.

Performance

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class M (FSRTX) and Columbia Balanced Fund Class A (CBLAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSRTX achieves a 6.71% return, which is significantly higher than CBLAX's 6.37% return. Over the past 10 years, FSRTX has underperformed CBLAX with an annualized return of 5.13%, while CBLAX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.65% annualized return.

FSRTX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.95%
• 6M: 5.40%
• YTD: 6.71%
• 1Y: 11.94%
• 3Y*: 8.73%
• 5Y*: 5.51%
• 10Y*: 5.13%

CBLAX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 1.68%
• 6M: 5.02%
• YTD: 6.37%
• 1Y: 13.98%
• 3Y*: 14.49%
• 5Y*: 7.57%
• 10Y*: 9.65%

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

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSRTX Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class M	6.71%	10.08%	5.57%	4.33%	-3.58%	15.50%	3.49%	10.24%	-4.26%	3.78%
CBLAX Columbia Balanced Fund Class A	6.37%	13.86%	14.30%	21.20%	-16.84%	14.64%	17.59%	22.75%	-5.98%	14.01%

Correlation

The correlation between FSRTX and CBLAX is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2005	0.53

Over the past year, the correlation between FSRTX and CBLAX has dropped to 0.30 - well below their long-term average of 0.53, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FSRTX vs. CBLAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSRTX

FSRTX Risk / Return Rank: 89
FSRTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
FSRTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FSRTX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FSRTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FSRTX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

CBLAX

CBLAX Risk / Return Rank: 49
CBLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
CBLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
CBLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
CBLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
CBLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class M (FSRTX) and Columbia Balanced Fund Class A (CBLAX). 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.

	FSRTX	CBLAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	1.57	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	2.22	+1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.29	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	2.07	+1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.32	8.43	+4.89

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSRTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is higher than the CBLAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSRTX and CBLAX, 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

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSRTX drawdown since its inception was -33.57%, roughly equal to the maximum CBLAX drawdown of -34.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSRTX and CBLAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSRTX	CBLAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.57%	-34.71%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.43%	-6.69%	+3.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.87%	-12.11%	+6.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.89%	-21.05%	+8.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.88%	-22.75%	+2.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.49%	-0.32%	-2.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.41%	-3.54%	-0.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	1.63%	-0.70%

Volatility

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class M (FSRTX) is 1.39%, while Columbia Balanced Fund Class A (CBLAX) has a volatility of 3.14%. This indicates that FSRTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CBLAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSRTX	CBLAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.39%	3.14%	-1.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.84%	7.17%	-3.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.88%	8.84%	-3.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.91%	11.19%	-4.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.72%	11.35%	-4.63%

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSRTX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than CBLAX's 0.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSRTX vs. CBLAX - Dividend Comparison

FSRTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.96%, less than CBLAX's 5.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CBLAX Columbia Balanced Fund Class A	5.90%	6.16%	7.55%	1.60%	5.07%	8.98%	5.07%	3.91%	5.53%	2.55%	1.35%	3.78%
FSRTX Fidelity Advisor Strategic Real Return Fund Class M	3.01%	4.44%	4.56%	5.05%	7.07%	5.14%	2.02%	2.81%	9.10%	2.32%	2.06%	1.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSRTX and CBLAX in my portfolio?

FSRTX and CBLAX have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSRTX or CBLAX?

CBLAX has higher volatility (3.14%) compared to FSRTX (1.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSRTX dropped -33.57% vs CBLAX's -34.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSRTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 1.57), 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.