GFAFX vs. AMCPX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GFAFX (American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1) and AMCPX (American Funds AMCAP Fund Class A) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from American Funds. Over the past 10 years, GFAFX returned 15.91%/yr vs 12.36%/yr for AMCPX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.65% expense ratio.

Performance

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GFAFX achieves a 10.07% return, which is significantly higher than AMCPX's 6.34% return. Over the past 10 years, GFAFX has outperformed AMCPX with an annualized return of 15.91%, while AMCPX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.36% annualized return.

GFAFX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 6.81%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 26.14%
• 3Y*: 25.09%
• 5Y*: 12.45%
• 10Y*: 15.91%

AMCPX

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 6.34%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 21.86%
• 3Y*: 19.82%
• 5Y*: 9.39%
• 10Y*: 12.36%

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

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1	10.07%	19.66%	27.96%	37.15%	-30.78%	19.24%	37.78%	28.10%	-3.23%	26.07%
AMCPX American Funds AMCAP Fund Class A	6.34%	17.68%	21.11%	31.04%	-28.67%	20.57%	21.42%	26.35%	-4.42%	22.08%

Correlation

The correlation between GFAFX and AMCPX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
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 Jan 3, 2002	0.97

The correlation between GFAFX and AMCPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GFAFX vs. AMCPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GFAFX

GFAFX Risk / Return Rank: 33
GFAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
GFAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
GFAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GFAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
GFAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

AMCPX

AMCPX Risk / Return Rank: 27
AMCPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
AMCPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
AMCPX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
AMCPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
AMCPX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX) and American Funds AMCAP Fund Class A (AMCPX). 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.

	GFAFX	AMCPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.56	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.19	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.28	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	1.60	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.57	6.51	+1.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GFAFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the AMCPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GFAFX and AMCPX, 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

	GFAFX	AMCPX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77	1.56	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	0.49	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	0.66	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.59	-0.03

Drawdowns

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GFAFX drawdown since its inception was -51.87%, smaller than the maximum AMCPX drawdown of -62.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GFAFX and AMCPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GFAFX	AMCPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.87%	-62.37%	+10.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.79%	-14.18%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.57%	-19.71%	-1.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.41%	-36.90%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.41%	-36.90%	+0.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-0.77%	+0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.62%	-9.58%	+0.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.53%	3.49%	+0.04%

Volatility

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX) and American Funds AMCAP Fund Class A (AMCPX) have volatilities of 3.68% and 3.57%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GFAFX	AMCPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.68%	3.57%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.66%	11.42%	+0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.16%	14.56%	+0.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.25%	19.24%	+1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.69%	18.72%	+0.97%

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both GFAFX and AMCPX have an expense ratio of 0.65%.

Dividends

GFAFX vs. AMCPX - Dividend Comparison

GFAFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.76%, more than AMCPX's 8.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMCPX American Funds AMCAP Fund Class A	8.21%	8.73%	8.19%	3.26%	7.54%	3.43%	3.88%	4.90%	7.84%	5.37%	3.81%	8.86%
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1	9.76%	10.75%	9.01%	7.41%	4.02%	8.16%	4.28%	7.14%	11.96%	6.98%	6.60%	8.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GFAFX and AMCPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, GFAFX and AMCPX 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, GFAFX or AMCPX?

GFAFX has higher volatility (3.68%) compared to AMCPX (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GFAFX dropped -51.87% vs AMCPX's -62.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GFAFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.56), 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.