FXIFX vs. FBALX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FXIFX (Fidelity Freedom Index 2030 Fund Investor Class) and FBALX (Fidelity Balanced Fund) are both mutual funds - FXIFX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Fidelity, while FBALX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, FXIFX returned 9.10%/yr vs 11.86%/yr for FBALX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FXIFX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for FBALX.

Performance

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Freedom Index 2030 Fund Investor Class (FXIFX) and Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXIFX achieves a 7.77% return, which is significantly lower than FBALX's 10.21% return. Over the past 10 years, FXIFX has underperformed FBALX with an annualized return of 9.10%, while FBALX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.86% annualized return.

FXIFX

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 7.77%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 18.84%
• 3Y*: 12.90%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: 9.10%

FBALX

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: 1.41%
• YTD: 10.21%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 23.97%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 9.49%
• 10Y*: 11.86%

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

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXIFX Fidelity Freedom Index 2030 Fund Investor Class	7.77%	15.89%	9.50%	15.10%	-16.55%	10.84%	14.34%	22.07%	-5.64%	18.05%
FBALX Fidelity Balanced Fund	10.21%	15.11%	16.09%	20.31%	-18.29%	18.27%	22.45%	24.40%	-3.98%	16.52%

Correlation

The correlation between FXIFX and FBALX 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	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 5, 2009	0.96

The correlation between FXIFX and FBALX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FXIFX vs. FBALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXIFX

FXIFX Risk / Return Rank: 67
FXIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FXIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FXIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FXIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FXIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

FBALX

FBALX Risk / Return Rank: 86
FBALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FBALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FBALX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FBALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FBALX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Freedom Index 2030 Fund Investor Class (FXIFX) and Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX). 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.

	FXIFX	FBALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	2.62	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.63	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.50	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	3.71	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.51	17.34	-4.83

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXIFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the FBALX Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXIFX and FBALX, 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

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXIFX drawdown since its inception was -23.90%, smaller than the maximum FBALX drawdown of -43.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXIFX and FBALX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXIFX	FBALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.90%	-43.57%	+19.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.42%	-6.47%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.41%	-12.88%	+3.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.28%	-22.89%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.90%	-26.68%	+2.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.25%	-0.14%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.60%	-4.37%	+0.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.49%	1.38%	+0.11%

Volatility

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Freedom Index 2030 Fund Investor Class (FXIFX) is 3.53%, while Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX) has a volatility of 3.74%. This indicates that FXIFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FBALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXIFX	FBALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	3.74%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.14%	7.52%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.47%	9.16%	-0.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.43%	12.26%	-1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.27%	12.82%	-1.55%

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXIFX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than FBALX's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXIFX vs. FBALX - Dividend Comparison

FXIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.03%, less than FBALX's 5.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FBALX Fidelity Balanced Fund	5.14%	5.69%	5.67%	2.28%	8.06%	9.66%	5.90%	4.24%	10.99%	7.90%	3.07%	7.70%
FXIFX Fidelity Freedom Index 2030 Fund Investor Class	3.03%	3.34%	2.67%	2.26%	2.69%	2.13%	2.40%	16.73%	2.13%	1.84%	1.94%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXIFX and FBALX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FXIFX and FBALX 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, FXIFX or FBALX?

FBALX has higher volatility (3.74%) compared to FXIFX (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXIFX dropped -23.90% vs FBALX's -43.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FBALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs 2.21), 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.