RFAYX vs. RALVX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RFAYX (Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund) and RALVX (Russell Investments LifePoints Growth Strategy Fund) are both mutual funds - RFAYX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Russell, while RALVX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Russell. Over the past 10 years, RFAYX returned 1.58%/yr vs 8.43%/yr for RALVX. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. RFAYX charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RALVX.

Performance

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund (RFAYX) and Russell Investments LifePoints Growth Strategy Fund (RALVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFAYX achieves a 0.60% return, which is significantly lower than RALVX's 9.28% return. Over the past 10 years, RFAYX has underperformed RALVX with an annualized return of 1.58%, while RALVX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.43% annualized return.

RFAYX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 0.60%
• 6M: 0.77%
• 1Y: 4.79%
• 3Y*: 4.10%
• 5Y*: -0.44%
• 10Y*: 1.58%

RALVX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 9.28%
• 6M: 9.03%
• 1Y: 22.73%
• 3Y*: 14.96%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 8.43%

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

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFAYX Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund	0.60%	7.47%	1.57%	4.85%	-14.80%	-1.09%	9.10%	9.03%	-0.56%	3.57%
RALVX Russell Investments LifePoints Growth Strategy Fund	9.28%	17.44%	11.36%	17.18%	-16.76%	17.82%	6.13%	15.33%	-7.92%	13.55%

Correlation

The correlation between RFAYX and RALVX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2001	-0.08

The correlation between RFAYX and RALVX shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (all time) to 0.44 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RFAYX vs. RALVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFAYX

RFAYX Risk / Return Rank: 26
RFAYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
RFAYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
RFAYX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
RFAYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
RFAYX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

RALVX

RALVX Risk / Return Rank: 62
RALVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
RALVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
RALVX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
RALVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
RALVX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund (RFAYX) and Russell Investments LifePoints Growth Strategy Fund (RALVX). 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.

	RFAYX	RALVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	2.16	-0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	3.00	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.40	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.81	2.74	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.12	12.03	-6.91

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFAYX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is lower than the RALVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFAYX and RALVX, 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

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFAYX drawdown since its inception was -19.61%, smaller than the maximum RALVX drawdown of -59.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFAYX and RALVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFAYX	RALVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.61%	-59.59%	+39.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.73%	-8.16%	+5.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.32%	-13.71%	+7.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.61%	-24.35%	+4.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.61%	-30.08%	+10.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.78%	-0.42%	-3.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-13.23%	+10.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.96%	1.86%	-0.90%

Volatility

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund (RFAYX) is 1.11%, while Russell Investments LifePoints Growth Strategy Fund (RALVX) has a volatility of 4.04%. This indicates that RFAYX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RALVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFAYX	RALVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.11%	4.04%	-2.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.60%	8.53%	-5.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.58%	10.36%	-6.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.90%	13.27%	-7.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.91%	13.71%	-8.80%

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFAYX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than RALVX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFAYX vs. RALVX - Dividend Comparison

RFAYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.42%, less than RALVX's 10.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RALVX Russell Investments LifePoints Growth Strategy Fund	10.67%	11.68%	2.31%	1.21%	4.20%	17.98%	0.54%	6.24%	7.01%	5.99%	4.79%	1.23%
RFAYX Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund	5.42%	5.19%	4.74%	3.71%	1.25%	2.50%	5.27%	3.46%	2.67%	1.57%	5.45%	4.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFAYX and RALVX in my portfolio?

RFAYX and RALVX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFAYX or RALVX?

RALVX has higher volatility (4.04%) compared to RFAYX (1.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFAYX dropped -19.61% vs RALVX's -59.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RALVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.38), 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.