RFCYX vs. RLVSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RFCYX (Russell Investments Strategic Bond Fund) and RLVSX (Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - RFCYX is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund managed by Russell, while RLVSX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Russell. Over the past 10 years, RFCYX returned 1.69%/yr vs 2.25%/yr for RLVSX. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RFCYX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.53%/yr for RLVSX.

Performance

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Strategic Bond Fund (RFCYX) and Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (RLVSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFCYX achieves a 0.21% return, which is significantly lower than RLVSX's 1.53% return. Over the past 10 years, RFCYX has underperformed RLVSX with an annualized return of 1.69%, while RLVSX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.25% annualized return.

RFCYX

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 0.21%
• 6M: 0.14%
• 1Y: 5.40%
• 3Y*: 3.82%
• 5Y*: -0.22%
• 10Y*: 1.69%

RLVSX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 1.53%
• 6M: 1.83%
• 1Y: 6.16%
• 3Y*: 3.85%
• 5Y*: 1.24%
• 10Y*: 2.25%

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

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFCYX Russell Investments Strategic Bond Fund	0.21%	7.55%	1.11%	4.92%	-14.07%	-1.55%	8.98%	9.57%	-0.54%	4.04%
RLVSX Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	1.53%	4.26%	1.76%	6.11%	-7.58%	2.03%	4.05%	7.38%	1.45%	4.69%

Correlation

The correlation between RFCYX and RLVSX is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2005	0.48

The correlation between RFCYX and RLVSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (10 years) to 0.56 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RFCYX vs. RLVSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFCYX

RFCYX Risk / Return Rank: 25
RFCYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
RFCYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
RFCYX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
RFCYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
RFCYX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

RLVSX

RLVSX Risk / Return Rank: 78
RLVSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
RLVSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
RLVSX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
RLVSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
RLVSX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Strategic Bond Fund (RFCYX) and Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (RLVSX). 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.

	RFCYX	RLVSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	3.47	-2.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	5.18	-3.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.99	-0.73
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	2.83	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.52	10.07	-4.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFCYX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is lower than the RLVSX Sharpe Ratio of 3.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFCYX and RLVSX, 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

	RFCYX	RLVSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	3.47	-2.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.04	0.40	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34	0.68	-0.34
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.97	-0.21

Drawdowns

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFCYX drawdown since its inception was -19.34%, which is greater than RLVSX's maximum drawdown of -11.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFCYX and RLVSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFCYX	RLVSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.34%	-11.77%	-7.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.92%	-2.17%	-0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.33%	-4.22%	-2.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.34%	-11.77%	-7.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.34%	-11.77%	-7.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.70%	-0.44%	-3.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.38%	-1.53%	-1.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.99%	0.61%	+0.38%

Volatility

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Volatility Comparison

Russell Investments Strategic Bond Fund (RFCYX) has a higher volatility of 1.27% compared to Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (RLVSX) at 0.70%. This indicates that RFCYX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RLVSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFCYX	RLVSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	0.70%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	1.38%	+1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.84%	1.77%	+2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.97%	3.10%	+2.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.00%	3.33%	+1.67%

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFCYX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than RLVSX's 0.53% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFCYX vs. RLVSX - Dividend Comparison

RFCYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.24%, more than RLVSX's 3.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFCYX Russell Investments Strategic Bond Fund	5.24%	5.18%	4.89%	2.77%	2.77%	2.13%	7.15%	3.70%	2.41%	1.29%	4.92%	4.06%
RLVSX Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	3.52%	3.18%	3.57%	3.20%	2.73%	2.06%	2.58%	3.08%	2.89%	2.65%	2.64%	2.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFCYX and RLVSX in my portfolio?

RFCYX and RLVSX have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFCYX or RLVSX?

RFCYX has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to RLVSX (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFCYX dropped -19.34% vs RLVSX's -11.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RLVSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.47 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.