RLVSX vs. RFBSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RLVSX (Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund) and RFBSX (Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - RLVSX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Russell, while RFBSX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Russell. Over the past 10 years, RLVSX returned 2.22%/yr vs 2.30%/yr for RFBSX. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RLVSX charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for RFBSX.

Performance

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - 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 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, RLVSX achieves a 1.86% return, which is significantly higher than RFBSX's 0.78% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RLVSX having a 2.22% annualized return and RFBSX not far ahead at 2.30%.

RLVSX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 1.86%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 6.05%
• 3Y*: 3.85%
• 5Y*: 1.24%
• 10Y*: 2.22%

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)

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RLVSX Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	1.86%	4.26%	1.76%	6.11%	-7.58%	2.03%	4.05%	7.38%	1.45%	4.69%
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 RLVSX and RFBSX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1990	0.45

The correlation between RLVSX and RFBSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.36 (10 years) to 0.48 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RLVSX vs. RFBSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RLVSX

RLVSX Risk / Return Rank: 80
RLVSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
RLVSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
RLVSX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
RLVSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
RLVSX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - 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 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.

	RLVSX	RFBSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.43	2.70	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.12	4.21	+0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.96	1.57	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.80	3.68	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.89	15.51	-5.61

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RLVSX Sharpe Ratio is 3.43, which is comparable to the RFBSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RLVSX 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

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RLVSX drawdown since its inception was -11.77%, which is greater than RFBSX's maximum drawdown of -9.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RLVSX and RFBSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RLVSX	RFBSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.77%	-9.71%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.17%	-1.04%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.22%	-1.04%	-3.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.77%	-7.80%	-3.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-11.77%	-7.80%	-3.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-0.16%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-2.21%	+0.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.61%	0.25%	+0.36%

Volatility

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (RLVSX) is 0.48%, while Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund (RFBSX) has a volatility of 0.57%. This indicates that RLVSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RFBSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RLVSX	RFBSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.48%	0.57%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.40%	1.09%	+0.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77%	1.42%	+0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.10%	2.07%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.33%	1.75%	+1.58%

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RLVSX has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is lower than RFBSX's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

RLVSX vs. RFBSX - Dividend Comparison

RLVSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.51%, less 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%
RLVSX Russell Investments Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	3.51%	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 RFBSX in my portfolio?

RLVSX and RFBSX have a correlation of 0.48, 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 RFBSX?

RFBSX has higher volatility (0.57%) compared to RLVSX (0.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RLVSX dropped -11.77% vs RFBSX's -9.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RLVSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.43 vs 2.70), 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.