JBALX vs. BALFX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JBALX (JPMorgan Global Allocation Fund Class A) and BALFX (American Funds American Balanced Fund) are both mutual funds - JBALX is a Global Allocation fund managed by JPMorgan, while BALFX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by American Funds. Over the past 10 years, JBALX returned 11.14%/yr vs 10.07%/yr for BALFX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JBALX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for BALFX.

Performance

JBALX vs. BALFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Global Allocation Fund Class A (JBALX) and American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JBALX achieves a 3.95% return, which is significantly lower than BALFX's 9.71% return. Over the past 10 years, JBALX has outperformed BALFX with an annualized return of 11.14%, while BALFX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.07% annualized return.

JBALX

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 1.52%
• YTD: 3.95%
• 6M: 3.91%
• 1Y: 14.87%
• 3Y*: 15.37%
• 5Y*: 8.94%
• 10Y*: 11.14%

BALFX

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 9.71%
• 6M: 10.01%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 16.83%
• 5Y*: 9.88%
• 10Y*: 10.07%

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

JBALX vs. BALFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JBALX JPMorgan Global Allocation Fund Class A	3.95%	15.00%	20.78%	15.45%	-16.56%	17.28%	14.40%	21.88%	0.71%	17.83%
BALFX American Funds American Balanced Fund	9.71%	18.40%	14.91%	13.62%	-12.19%	15.69%	10.81%	18.50%	-3.54%	14.63%

Correlation

The correlation between JBALX and BALFX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2005	0.93

The correlation between JBALX and BALFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JBALX vs. BALFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JBALX

JBALX Risk / Return Rank: 34
JBALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
JBALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
JBALX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
JBALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
JBALX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

BALFX

BALFX Risk / Return Rank: 83
BALFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
BALFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
BALFX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
BALFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BALFX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

JBALX vs. BALFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Global Allocation Fund Class A (JBALX) and American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX). 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.

	JBALX	BALFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	2.58	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	3.59	-1.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.49	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.81	3.37	-1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.72	14.93	-7.21

JBALX vs. BALFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JBALX Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is lower than the BALFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JBALX and BALFX, 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

JBALX vs. BALFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JBALX drawdown since its inception was -33.98%, smaller than the maximum BALFX drawdown of -40.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JBALX and BALFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JBALX	BALFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.98%	-40.20%	+6.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.12%	-7.03%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.93%	-10.67%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.50%	-18.81%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.49%	-22.34%	-0.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.21%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.42%	-4.15%	-1.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	1.58%	+0.32%

Volatility

JBALX vs. BALFX - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Global Allocation Fund Class A (JBALX) and American Funds American Balanced Fund (BALFX) have volatilities of 3.58% and 3.43%, 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

	JBALX	BALFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.58%	3.43%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.57%	7.34%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.19%	9.20%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.41%	10.56%	+0.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.28%	10.70%	+0.58%

JBALX vs. BALFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JBALX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than BALFX's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

JBALX vs. BALFX - Dividend Comparison

JBALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.51%, more than BALFX's 7.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BALFX American Funds American Balanced Fund	7.05%	8.22%	7.14%	2.02%	2.24%	4.24%	4.31%	3.44%	5.30%	4.66%	4.18%	5.54%
JBALX JPMorgan Global Allocation Fund Class A	8.51%	8.80%	11.84%	2.28%	2.00%	4.54%	2.54%	2.33%	7.14%	4.69%	4.55%	5.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JBALX and BALFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, JBALX and BALFX 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, JBALX or BALFX?

JBALX has higher volatility (3.58%) compared to BALFX (3.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JBALX dropped -33.98% vs BALFX's -40.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BALFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 1.60), 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.