GAIFX vs. ABALX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GAIFX (American Funds Growth and Income Portfolio Class F-1) and ABALX (American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A) are both Diversified Portfolio funds from American Funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, GAIFX returned 10.88%/yr vs 10.11%/yr for ABALX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GAIFX charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for ABALX.

Performance

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Growth and Income Portfolio Class F-1 (GAIFX) and American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A (ABALX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAIFX achieves a 9.10% return, which is significantly lower than ABALX's 9.77% return. Over the past 10 years, GAIFX has outperformed ABALX with an annualized return of 10.88%, while ABALX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.11% annualized return.

GAIFX

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 9.10%
• 6M: 9.01%
• 1Y: 21.52%
• 3Y*: 16.84%
• 5Y*: 9.64%
• 10Y*: 10.88%

ABALX

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 10.06%
• 1Y: 23.85%
• 3Y*: 16.77%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 10Y*: 10.11%

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

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GAIFX American Funds Growth and Income Portfolio Class F-1	9.10%	18.16%	14.55%	18.71%	-15.97%	16.33%	16.31%	21.86%	-5.94%	19.08%
ABALX American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A	9.77%	18.45%	14.63%	13.65%	-12.13%	15.75%	10.85%	18.60%	-3.35%	14.69%

Correlation

The correlation between GAIFX and ABALX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2012	0.96

The correlation between GAIFX and ABALX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GAIFX vs. ABALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAIFX

GAIFX Risk / Return Rank: 56
GAIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
GAIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
GAIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
GAIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
GAIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

ABALX

ABALX Risk / Return Rank: 83
ABALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
ABALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
ABALX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
ABALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
ABALX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Growth and Income Portfolio Class F-1 (GAIFX) and American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A (ABALX). 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.

	GAIFX	ABALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.59	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	3.60	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.49	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	3.38	-0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.65	14.98	-3.33

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAIFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the ABALX Sharpe Ratio of 2.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAIFX and ABALX, 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

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAIFX drawdown since its inception was -26.55%, smaller than the maximum ABALX drawdown of -40.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAIFX and ABALX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAIFX	ABALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.55%	-40.20%	+13.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.13%	-7.03%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.83%	-10.68%	-2.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.14%	-18.76%	-4.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.55%	-22.34%	-4.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-0.19%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.44%	-3.85%	+0.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	1.58%	+0.25%

Volatility

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Growth and Income Portfolio Class F-1 (GAIFX) has a higher volatility of 4.13% compared to American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A (ABALX) at 3.45%. This indicates that GAIFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ABALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAIFX	ABALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.13%	3.45%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.73%	7.35%	+1.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.65%	9.19%	+1.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.68%	10.57%	+2.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.22%	10.71%	+2.51%

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAIFX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than ABALX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAIFX vs. ABALX - Dividend Comparison

GAIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.20%, less than ABALX's 7.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ABALX American Funds American Balanced Fund Class A	7.10%	8.27%	6.87%	2.05%	2.30%	4.30%	4.35%	3.49%	5.49%	4.72%	4.24%	5.60%
GAIFX American Funds Growth and Income Portfolio Class F-1	5.20%	5.73%	4.77%	2.77%	6.40%	5.09%	3.97%	5.49%	6.06%	3.41%	4.34%	4.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAIFX and ABALX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, GAIFX and ABALX 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, GAIFX or ABALX?

GAIFX has higher volatility (4.13%) compared to ABALX (3.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAIFX dropped -26.55% vs ABALX's -40.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ABALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.01), 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.