GABGX vs. BGRFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GABGX (Gabelli Growth Fund) and BGRFX (Baron Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - GABGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Gabelli, while BGRFX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Baron Capital Group, Inc.. Over the past 10 years, GABGX returned 16.63%/yr vs 7.14%/yr for BGRFX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GABGX charges 1.34%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for BGRFX.

Performance

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Growth Fund (GABGX) and Baron Growth Fund (BGRFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GABGX achieves a 6.28% return, which is significantly higher than BGRFX's -11.42% return. Over the past 10 years, GABGX has outperformed BGRFX with an annualized return of 16.63%, while BGRFX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.14% annualized return.

GABGX

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 4.45%
• YTD: 6.28%
• 6M: 5.73%
• 1Y: 20.75%
• 3Y*: 25.01%
• 5Y*: 12.46%
• 10Y*: 16.63%

BGRFX

• 1D: -2.94%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: -11.42%
• 6M: -10.03%
• 1Y: -20.59%
• 3Y*: -5.72%
• 5Y*: -4.22%
• 10Y*: 7.14%

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

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GABGX Gabelli Growth Fund	6.28%	18.67%	35.38%	45.39%	-39.04%	22.48%	39.11%	34.19%	1.89%	29.51%
BGRFX Baron Growth Fund	-11.42%	-14.51%	4.62%	14.68%	-22.55%	19.82%	32.77%	40.18%	-2.93%	27.14%

Correlation

The correlation between GABGX and BGRFX is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 1995	0.78

Over the past year, the correlation between GABGX and BGRFX has dropped to 0.17 - well below their long-term average of 0.78, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

GABGX vs. BGRFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GABGX

GABGX Risk / Return Rank: 19
GABGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
GABGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
GABGX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
GABGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
GABGX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

BGRFX

BGRFX Risk / Return Rank: 0
BGRFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
BGRFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
BGRFX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
BGRFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
BGRFX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Growth Fund (GABGX) and Baron Growth Fund (BGRFX). 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.

	GABGX	BGRFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	-1.08	+2.46
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	-1.47	+3.43
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	0.83	+0.41
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	-0.76	+2.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.46	-1.36	+5.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GABGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is higher than the BGRFX Sharpe Ratio of -1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GABGX and BGRFX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GABGX	BGRFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	-1.08	+2.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	-0.21	+0.75
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74	0.34	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.47	+0.08

Drawdowns

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GABGX drawdown since its inception was -66.39%, which is greater than BGRFX's maximum drawdown of -56.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GABGX and BGRFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GABGX	BGRFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.39%	-56.10%	-10.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-26.95%	+10.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.39%	-32.68%	+10.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.36%	-34.70%	-7.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.36%	-41.14%	-1.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-30.76%	+30.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.69%	-8.84%	-7.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.79%	14.96%	-10.17%

Volatility

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Gabelli Growth Fund (GABGX) is 3.62%, while Baron Growth Fund (BGRFX) has a volatility of 7.60%. This indicates that GABGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BGRFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GABGX	BGRFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.62%	7.60%	-3.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.08%	15.12%	-3.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.47%	18.99%	-3.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.45%	20.14%	+3.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.51%	21.15%	+1.36%

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GABGX has a 1.34% expense ratio, which is higher than BGRFX's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

GABGX vs. BGRFX - Dividend Comparison

GABGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.16%, less than BGRFX's 23.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BGRFX Baron Growth Fund	23.60%	20.91%	12.05%	1.79%	6.02%	7.73%	4.64%	3.68%	8.38%	11.68%	12.84%	9.53%
GABGX Gabelli Growth Fund	5.16%	5.49%	6.27%	1.66%	0.00%	5.03%	7.02%	11.48%	5.66%	6.28%	5.17%	8.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GABGX and BGRFX in my portfolio?

GABGX and BGRFX have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GABGX or BGRFX?

BGRFX has higher volatility (7.60%) compared to GABGX (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GABGX dropped -66.39% vs BGRFX's -56.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GABGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs -1.08), 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.