RFITX vs. FXAIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RFITX (American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6) and FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - RFITX is a Target Retirement Date fund tracking the S&P Target Date 2050 Index, while FXAIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFITX returned 12.38%/yr vs 15.58%/yr for FXAIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. RFITX charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for FXAIX.

Performance

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6 (RFITX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with RFITX having a 10.49% return and FXAIX slightly lower at 10.19%. Over the past 10 years, RFITX has underperformed FXAIX with an annualized return of 12.38%, while FXAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.58% annualized return.

RFITX

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 10.49%
• 6M: 10.51%
• 1Y: 24.90%
• 3Y*: 18.39%
• 5Y*: 10.18%
• 10Y*: 12.38%

FXAIX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.19%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 20.98%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 15.58%

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

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFITX American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6	10.49%	20.45%	15.43%	20.84%	-18.88%	17.32%	19.44%	25.01%	-5.59%	22.61%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	10.19%	17.84%	25.01%	26.29%	-18.14%	28.71%	18.42%	31.48%	-4.43%	21.82%

Correlation

The correlation between RFITX and FXAIX is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2011	0.96

The correlation between RFITX and FXAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RFITX vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFITX

RFITX Risk / Return Rank: 55
RFITX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
RFITX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
RFITX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
RFITX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
RFITX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

FXAIX

FXAIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
FXAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FXAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FXAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FXAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FXAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6 (RFITX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). 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.

	RFITX	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.17	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.93	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	3.04	-0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.66	13.75	-2.09

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFITX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the FXAIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFITX and FXAIX, 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

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFITX drawdown since its inception was -29.28%, smaller than the maximum FXAIX drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFITX and FXAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFITX	FXAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.28%	-33.79%	+4.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-8.89%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.86%	-18.76%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.47%	-24.50%	-1.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.28%	-33.79%	+4.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-1.36%	+1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.11%	-3.79%	-0.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	1.96%	+0.15%

Volatility

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6 (RFITX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) have volatilities of 4.92% and 4.77%, 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

	RFITX	FXAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.92%	4.77%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	9.91%	+0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.29%	12.47%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.40%	17.01%	-2.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.92%	18.11%	-3.19%

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFITX has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is higher than FXAIX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFITX vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison

RFITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.49%, more than FXAIX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	1.04%	1.11%	1.25%	1.45%	1.69%	1.22%	1.60%	2.06%	2.72%	1.97%	2.52%	2.83%
RFITX American Funds 2050 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6	5.49%	6.07%	3.62%	2.64%	7.38%	4.60%	3.40%	4.46%	5.11%	2.64%	3.82%	5.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFITX and FXAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, RFITX and FXAIX 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, RFITX or FXAIX?

RFITX has higher volatility (4.92%) compared to FXAIX (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFITX dropped -29.28% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.01), 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.