PEAFX vs. GWPAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PEAFX (PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund Class A) and GWPAX (American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A) are both mutual funds - PEAFX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by PIMCO, while GWPAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by American Funds. Over the past 10 years, PEAFX returned 10.83%/yr vs 13.80%/yr for GWPAX. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PEAFX charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for GWPAX.

Performance

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund Class A (PEAFX) and American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PEAFX achieves a 12.25% return, which is significantly higher than GWPAX's 11.09% return. Over the past 10 years, PEAFX has underperformed GWPAX with an annualized return of 10.83%, while GWPAX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.80% annualized return.

PEAFX

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: -1.82%
• YTD: 12.25%
• 6M: 7.85%
• 1Y: 22.99%
• 3Y*: 15.28%
• 5Y*: 7.44%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

GWPAX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 2.55%
• YTD: 11.09%
• 6M: 10.32%
• 1Y: 26.08%
• 3Y*: 21.64%
• 5Y*: 10.09%
• 10Y*: 13.80%

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

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PEAFX PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund Class A	12.25%	20.25%	1.14%	22.28%	-10.71%	15.47%	6.43%	13.30%	-12.77%	28.91%
GWPAX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A	11.09%	20.47%	20.17%	28.76%	-26.97%	18.59%	25.34%	27.19%	-6.59%	25.12%

Correlation

The correlation between PEAFX and GWPAX is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.66

The correlation between PEAFX and GWPAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PEAFX vs. GWPAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEAFX

PEAFX Risk / Return Rank: 36
PEAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
PEAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
PEAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
PEAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
PEAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

GWPAX

GWPAX Risk / Return Rank: 45
GWPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
GWPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
GWPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
GWPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
GWPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund Class A (PEAFX) and American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX). 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.

	PEAFX	GWPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.80	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.49	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.33	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.32	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.33	10.05	-2.72

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEAFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the GWPAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEAFX and GWPAX, 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

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEAFX drawdown since its inception was -47.18%, which is greater than GWPAX's maximum drawdown of -34.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEAFX and GWPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEAFX	GWPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.18%	-34.15%	-13.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.98%	-11.78%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.22%	-19.42%	-2.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.37%	-34.15%	+7.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.18%	-34.15%	-13.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.00%	-0.22%	-4.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.14%	-5.70%	-4.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.71%	+0.46%

Volatility

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund Class A (PEAFX) is 5.54%, while American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX) has a volatility of 6.00%. This indicates that PEAFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GWPAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEAFX	GWPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	6.00%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.73%	12.35%	+0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.73%	15.21%	-0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.95%	18.39%	-3.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	18.09%	-0.97%

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEAFX has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than GWPAX's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEAFX vs. GWPAX - Dividend Comparison

PEAFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.65%, less than GWPAX's 5.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWPAX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A	5.18%	5.75%	5.83%	1.61%	9.94%	3.42%	3.42%	5.77%	6.19%	3.39%	4.36%	4.84%
PEAFX PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund Class A	2.65%	2.97%	1.01%	4.01%	11.33%	9.19%	7.05%	2.48%	11.05%	8.07%	2.59%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEAFX and GWPAX in my portfolio?

PEAFX and GWPAX have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PEAFX or GWPAX?

GWPAX has higher volatility (6.00%) compared to PEAFX (5.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEAFX dropped -47.18% vs GWPAX's -34.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 1.59), 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.