RLBGX vs. EFA
Compare and contrast key facts about American Funds American Balanced Fund Class R-6 (RLBGX) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA).
RLBGX is managed by American Funds. It was launched on Jul 26, 1975. EFA is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index. It was launched on Aug 14, 2001.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: RLBGX or EFA.
Key characteristics
| RLBGX | EFA | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 3.98% | 4.74% |
| 1Y Return | 15.73% | 11.76% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 4.33% | 3.52% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 8.06% | 6.39% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 8.26% | 4.49% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.88 | 0.92 |
| Daily Std Dev | 8.13% | 12.48% |
| Max Drawdown | -22.33% | -61.04% |
| Current Drawdown | -2.13% | -1.40% |
Correlation
The correlation between RLBGX and EFA is 0.85, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
RLBGX vs. EFA - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, RLBGX achieves a 3.98% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 4.74% return. Over the past 10 years, RLBGX has outperformed EFA with an annualized return of 8.26%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively lower 4.49% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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RLBGX vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison
RLBGX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
RLBGX vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds American Balanced Fund Class R-6 (RLBGX) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.
Dividends
RLBGX vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison
RLBGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, less than EFA's 2.84% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RLBGX American Funds American Balanced Fund Class R-6 | 2.61% | 2.66% | 2.63% | 4.59% | 4.65% | 4.28% | 6.45% | 5.62% | 4.48% | 6.32% | 8.51% | 1.83% |
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | 2.84% | 2.98% | 2.69% | 3.33% | 2.13% | 3.10% | 3.39% | 2.57% | 3.07% | 2.76% | 3.72% | 2.54% |
Drawdowns
RLBGX vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum RLBGX drawdown since its inception was -22.33%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RLBGX and EFA. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
RLBGX vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for American Funds American Balanced Fund Class R-6 (RLBGX) is 2.82%, while iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) has a volatility of 3.84%. This indicates that RLBGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.