RFAYX vs. RSEAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

RFAYX (Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund) and RSEAX (Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund) are both mutual funds - RFAYX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Russell, while RSEAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Russell. Over the past 10 years, RFAYX returned 1.57%/yr vs 12.99%/yr for RSEAX. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. RFAYX charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for RSEAX.

Performance

RFAYX vs. RSEAX - 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 U.S. Strategic Equity Fund (RSEAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFAYX achieves a 0.16% return, which is significantly lower than RSEAX's 8.87% return. Over the past 10 years, RFAYX has underperformed RSEAX with an annualized return of 1.57%, while RSEAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.99% annualized return.

RFAYX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 0.16%
• 6M: 0.28%
• 1Y: 4.56%
• 3Y*: 3.89%
• 5Y*: -0.39%
• 10Y*: 1.57%

RSEAX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 3.63%
• YTD: 8.87%
• 6M: 8.68%
• 1Y: 23.24%
• 3Y*: 19.22%
• 5Y*: 9.97%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

RFAYX vs. RSEAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFAYX Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund	0.16%	7.47%	1.57%	4.85%	-14.80%	-1.09%	9.10%	9.03%	-0.56%	3.57%
RSEAX Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund	8.87%	14.44%	19.90%	26.15%	-21.05%	20.19%	23.44%	29.58%	-9.98%	20.77%

Correlation

The correlation between RFAYX and RSEAX is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	-0.08

The correlation between RFAYX and RSEAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (all time) to 0.30 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RFAYX vs. RSEAX — 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: 26
RFAYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
RFAYX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
RFAYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
RFAYX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

RSEAX

RSEAX Risk / Return Rank: 48
RSEAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
RSEAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
RSEAX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
RSEAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
RSEAX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. RSEAX - 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 U.S. Strategic Equity Fund (RSEAX). 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.

	RFAYX	RSEAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.99	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.74	-0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.36	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	2.56	-0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.69	10.92	-5.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RFAYX vs. RSEAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFAYX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the RSEAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFAYX and RSEAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RFAYX	RSEAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.99	-0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.07	0.54	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32	0.69	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.70	+0.06

Drawdowns

RFAYX vs. RSEAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFAYX drawdown since its inception was -19.61%, smaller than the maximum RSEAX drawdown of -34.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFAYX and RSEAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFAYX	RSEAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.61%	-34.37%	+14.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.73%	-9.19%	+6.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.32%	-25.68%	+19.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.61%	-27.52%	+7.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.61%	-34.37%	+14.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.21%	-0.92%	-3.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-4.91%	+1.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	2.15%	-1.24%

Volatility

RFAYX vs. RSEAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund (RFAYX) is 1.26%, while Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund (RSEAX) has a volatility of 2.86%. This indicates that RFAYX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RSEAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFAYX	RSEAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.26%	2.86%	-1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.52%	8.87%	-6.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.65%	11.83%	-8.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.90%	18.47%	-12.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.90%	18.86%	-13.96%

RFAYX vs. RSEAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFAYX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than RSEAX's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFAYX vs. RSEAX - Dividend Comparison

RFAYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.44%, less than RSEAX's 10.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFAYX Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund	5.44%	5.19%	4.74%	3.71%	1.25%	2.50%	5.27%	3.46%	2.67%	1.57%	5.45%	4.09%
RSEAX Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund	10.75%	11.81%	10.74%	4.04%	6.61%	7.64%	0.52%	5.07%	23.30%	9.12%	5.47%	6.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFAYX and RSEAX in my portfolio?

RFAYX and RSEAX have a correlation of 0.30, 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 RSEAX?

RSEAX has higher volatility (2.86%) compared to RFAYX (1.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFAYX dropped -19.61% vs RSEAX's -34.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSEAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.43), 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.