RGEAX vs. RFBSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RGEAX (Russell Investments Global Equity Fund) and RFBSX (Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - RGEAX is a Global Equities fund managed by Russell, while RFBSX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Russell. Over the past 10 years, RGEAX returned 12.40%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for RFBSX. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RGEAX charges 1.24%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for RFBSX.

Performance

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Global Equity Fund (RGEAX) and Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund (RFBSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RGEAX achieves a 9.27% return, which is significantly higher than RFBSX's 0.78% return. Over the past 10 years, RGEAX has outperformed RFBSX with an annualized return of 12.40%, while RFBSX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.30% annualized return.

RGEAX

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 9.27%
• 6M: 8.98%
• 1Y: 25.75%
• 3Y*: 17.81%
• 5Y*: 10.90%
• 10Y*: 12.40%

RFBSX

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.78%
• 6M: 0.94%
• 1Y: 3.76%
• 3Y*: 4.99%
• 5Y*: 2.07%
• 10Y*: 2.30%

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

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RGEAX Russell Investments Global Equity Fund	9.27%	20.92%	15.25%	22.12%	-16.78%	22.30%	12.95%	25.89%	-9.41%	22.83%
RFBSX Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund	0.78%	5.92%	4.67%	5.06%	-4.95%	-0.75%	4.98%	4.69%	1.27%	1.33%

Correlation

The correlation between RGEAX and RFBSX is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2008	0.03

Over the past year, RGEAX and RFBSX have become more correlated (0.32) than their long-term average of 0.03, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

RGEAX vs. RFBSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RGEAX

RGEAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
RGEAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
RGEAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
RGEAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
RGEAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
RGEAX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

RFBSX

RFBSX Risk / Return Rank: 88
RFBSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
RFBSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
RFBSX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
RFBSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
RFBSX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Global Equity Fund (RGEAX) and Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund (RFBSX). 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.

	RGEAX	RFBSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.70	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	4.21	-1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.57	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	3.68	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.86	15.51	-3.64

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RGEAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the RFBSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RGEAX and RFBSX, 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

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RGEAX drawdown since its inception was -56.78%, which is greater than RFBSX's maximum drawdown of -9.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RGEAX and RFBSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RGEAX	RFBSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.78%	-9.71%	-47.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.51%	-1.04%	-8.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.24%	-1.04%	-19.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.91%	-7.80%	-18.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.85%	-7.80%	-27.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-0.16%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.12%	-2.21%	-6.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.12%	0.25%	+1.87%

Volatility

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Volatility Comparison

Russell Investments Global Equity Fund (RGEAX) has a higher volatility of 4.67% compared to Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund (RFBSX) at 0.57%. This indicates that RGEAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFBSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RGEAX	RFBSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	0.57%	+4.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.09%	1.09%	+9.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.53%	1.42%	+11.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.57%	2.07%	+14.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.21%	1.75%	+15.46%

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RGEAX has a 1.24% expense ratio, which is higher than RFBSX's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

RGEAX vs. RFBSX - Dividend Comparison

RGEAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.62%, more than RFBSX's 4.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFBSX Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund	4.70%	4.85%	3.91%	2.83%	0.68%	1.72%	2.23%	2.43%	2.32%	1.33%	1.73%	1.48%
RGEAX Russell Investments Global Equity Fund	7.62%	8.33%	7.28%	1.04%	1.67%	6.85%	29.97%	13.77%	15.65%	13.13%	8.21%	11.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RGEAX and RFBSX in my portfolio?

RGEAX and RFBSX have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RGEAX or RFBSX?

RGEAX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to RFBSX (0.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RGEAX dropped -56.78% vs RFBSX's -9.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFBSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 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.