PGEOX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

PGEOX (George Putnam Balanced Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, PGEOX returned 9.85%/yr vs 9.83%/yr for VBAIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PGEOX charges 0.94%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in George Putnam Balanced Fund (PGEOX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PGEOX achieves a 7.70% return, which is significantly higher than VBAIX's 6.86% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PGEOX having a 9.85% annualized return and VBAIX not far behind at 9.83%.

PGEOX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -0.65%
• 6M: 6.63%
• YTD: 7.70%
• 1Y: 16.92%
• 3Y*: 16.32%
• 5Y*: 8.81%
• 10Y*: 9.85%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: 5.60%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 1Y: 15.17%
• 3Y*: 14.63%
• 5Y*: 7.93%
• 10Y*: 9.83%

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

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PGEOX George Putnam Balanced Fund	7.70%	14.02%	20.65%	19.93%	-17.59%	13.80%	9.25%	22.61%	-3.03%	15.02%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	6.86%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between PGEOX and VBAIX 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 Nov 30, 2000	0.96

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

Return for Risk

PGEOX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGEOX

PGEOX Risk / Return Rank: 78
PGEOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
PGEOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
PGEOX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
PGEOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PGEOX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for George Putnam Balanced Fund (PGEOX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	PGEOX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.76	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.50	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.32	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	2.52	+0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.62	11.05	+1.56

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGEOX Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGEOX and VBAIX, 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

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGEOX drawdown since its inception was -50.63%, which is greater than VBAIX's maximum drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGEOX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGEOX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.63%	-35.82%	-14.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.72%	-5.84%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.61%	-11.57%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.36%	-21.52%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.00%	-22.77%	-0.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-0.50%	-0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.72%	-4.40%	-7.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.32%	1.33%	-0.01%

Volatility

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

George Putnam Balanced Fund (PGEOX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) have volatilities of 2.47% and 2.38%, 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

	PGEOX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.47%	2.38%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.00%	6.77%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.61%	8.37%	+0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.50%	11.18%	+0.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.63%	11.24%	+0.39%

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGEOX has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGEOX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

PGEOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.61%, more than VBAIX's 5.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PGEOX George Putnam Balanced Fund	7.61%	8.13%	7.99%	1.10%	0.89%	7.75%	1.05%	5.22%	9.04%	1.10%	1.18%	1.13%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.34%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGEOX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, PGEOX and VBAIX 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, PGEOX or VBAIX?

PGEOX has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to VBAIX (2.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGEOX dropped -50.63% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PGEOX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.76), 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.