RLVSX vs. RFAYX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RLVSX (Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund) and RFAYX (Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - RLVSX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Russell, while RFAYX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Russell. Over the past 10 years, RLVSX returned 2.25%/yr vs 1.59%/yr for RFAYX. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RLVSX charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for RFAYX.

Performance

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RLVSX achieves a 1.53% return, which is significantly higher than RFAYX's 0.38% return. Over the past 10 years, RLVSX has outperformed RFAYX with an annualized return of 2.25%, while RFAYX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.59% annualized return.

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%

RFAYX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.52%
• YTD: 0.38%
• 6M: 0.29%
• 1Y: 5.42%
• 3Y*: 3.97%
• 5Y*: -0.27%
• 10Y*: 1.59%

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

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
RFAYX Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund	0.38%	7.47%	1.57%	4.85%	-14.80%	-1.09%	9.10%	9.03%	-0.56%	3.57%

Correlation

The correlation between RLVSX and RFAYX 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	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2001	0.52

The correlation between RLVSX and RFAYX shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (10 years) to 0.57 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RLVSX vs. RFAYX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

RFAYX

RFAYX Risk / Return Rank: 27
RFAYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
RFAYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
RFAYX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
RFAYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
RFAYX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	RLVSX	RFAYX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.47	1.49	+1.98
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	5.18	2.25	+2.93
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.99	1.27	+0.72
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	1.99	+0.84
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	5.96	+4.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RLVSX Sharpe Ratio is 3.47, which is higher than the RFAYX Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RLVSX and RFAYX, 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

	RLVSX	RFAYX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.47	1.49	+1.98
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	-0.05	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68	0.33	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.97	0.75	+0.21

Drawdowns

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RLVSX drawdown since its inception was -11.77%, smaller than the maximum RFAYX drawdown of -19.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RLVSX and RFAYX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RLVSX	RFAYX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.77%	-19.61%	+7.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.17%	-2.73%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.22%	-6.32%	+2.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.77%	-19.61%	+7.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-11.77%	-19.61%	+7.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-4.00%	+3.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-2.98%	+1.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.61%	0.91%	-0.30%

Volatility

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (RLVSX) is 0.70%, while Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund (RFAYX) has a volatility of 1.29%. This indicates that RLVSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RFAYX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RLVSX	RFAYX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.70%	1.29%	-0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.38%	2.55%	-1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77%	3.65%	-1.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.10%	5.90%	-2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.33%	4.90%	-1.57%

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RLVSX has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is higher than RFAYX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

RLVSX vs. RFAYX - Dividend Comparison

RLVSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.52%, less than RFAYX's 5.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFAYX Russell Investments Investment Grade Bond Fund	5.43%	5.19%	4.74%	3.71%	1.25%	2.50%	5.27%	3.46%	2.67%	1.57%	5.45%	4.09%
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 RLVSX and RFAYX in my portfolio?

RLVSX and RFAYX 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, RLVSX or RFAYX?

RFAYX has higher volatility (1.29%) compared to RLVSX (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RLVSX dropped -11.77% vs RFAYX's -19.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RLVSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.47 vs 1.49), 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.