GFAFX vs. RGAGX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

GFAFX (American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1) and RGAGX (American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class R-6) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from American Funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, GFAFX returned 15.96%/yr vs 16.44%/yr for RGAGX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GFAFX charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RGAGX.

Performance

GFAFX vs. RGAGX - 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 The Growth Fund of America Class R-6 (RGAGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with GFAFX having a 6.33% return and RGAGX slightly higher at 6.52%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GFAFX having a 15.96% annualized return and RGAGX not far ahead at 16.44%.

GFAFX

• 1D: -2.17%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 6.33%
• 6M: 5.13%
• 1Y: 18.01%
• 3Y*: 22.97%
• 5Y*: 10.76%
• 10Y*: 15.96%

RGAGX

• 1D: -2.18%
• 1M: -0.23%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 5.31%
• 1Y: 18.42%
• 3Y*: 23.41%
• 5Y*: 11.17%
• 10Y*: 16.44%

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

GFAFX vs. RGAGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1	6.33%	19.66%	27.96%	37.15%	-30.78%	19.24%	37.78%	28.10%	-3.23%	26.07%
RGAGX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class R-6	6.52%	20.08%	28.41%	37.66%	-30.53%	19.67%	38.30%	29.22%	-2.88%	26.53%

Correlation

The correlation between GFAFX and RGAGX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2009	1.00

The correlation between GFAFX and RGAGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GFAFX vs. RGAGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GFAFX

GFAFX Risk / Return Rank: 24
GFAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
GFAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
GFAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
GFAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
GFAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

RGAGX

RGAGX Risk / Return Rank: 23
RGAGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
RGAGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
RGAGX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
RGAGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
RGAGX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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. RGAGX - 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 The Growth Fund of America Class R-6 (RGAGX). 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.

	GFAFX	RGAGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.25	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	1.76	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.23	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	1.50	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.57	5.73	-0.17

GFAFX vs. RGAGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GFAFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the RGAGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GFAFX and RGAGX, 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

GFAFX vs. RGAGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GFAFX drawdown since its inception was -51.87%, which is greater than RGAGX's maximum drawdown of -36.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GFAFX and RGAGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GFAFX	RGAGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.87%	-36.19%	-15.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.79%	-13.71%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.57%	-21.54%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.41%	-36.19%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.41%	-36.19%	-0.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.71%	-3.69%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.60%	-5.48%	-3.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	3.58%	+0.03%

Volatility

GFAFX vs. RGAGX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX) and American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class R-6 (RGAGX) have volatilities of 7.15% and 7.15%, 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	RGAGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.15%	7.15%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.17%	13.16%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.44%	16.43%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.45%	20.45%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.75%	19.75%	0.00%

GFAFX vs. RGAGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GFAFX has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than RGAGX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

GFAFX vs. RGAGX - Dividend Comparison

GFAFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.11%, less than RGAGX's 10.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1	10.11%	10.75%	9.01%	7.41%	4.02%	8.16%	4.28%	7.14%	11.96%	6.98%	6.60%	8.86%
RGAGX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class R-6	10.32%	10.99%	9.29%	7.70%	4.44%	8.49%	4.57%	7.93%	12.36%	7.34%	6.95%	9.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GFAFX and RGAGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, GFAFX and RGAGX 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 RGAGX?

RGAGX has higher volatility (7.15%) compared to GFAFX (7.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GFAFX dropped -51.87% vs RGAGX's -36.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RGAGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.25 vs 1.23), 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.