RSEAX vs. RFBSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RSEAX (Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund) and RFBSX (Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - RSEAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Russell, while RFBSX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Russell. Over the past 10 years, RSEAX returned 13.08%/yr vs 2.31%/yr for RFBSX. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSEAX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for RFBSX.

Performance

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund (RSEAX) 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, RSEAX achieves a 9.71% return, which is significantly higher than RFBSX's 0.72% return. Over the past 10 years, RSEAX has outperformed RFBSX with an annualized return of 13.08%, while RFBSX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.31% annualized return.

RSEAX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 5.26%
• YTD: 9.71%
• 6M: 9.63%
• 1Y: 24.33%
• 3Y*: 19.52%
• 5Y*: 10.32%
• 10Y*: 13.08%

RFBSX

• 1D: -0.00%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 1.04%
• 1Y: 4.09%
• 3Y*: 4.95%
• 5Y*: 2.04%
• 10Y*: 2.31%

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

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RSEAX Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund	9.71%	14.44%	19.90%	26.15%	-21.05%	20.19%	23.44%	29.58%	-9.98%	20.77%
RFBSX Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund	0.72%	5.92%	4.67%	5.06%	-4.95%	-0.75%	4.98%	4.69%	1.27%	1.33%

Correlation

The correlation between RSEAX and RFBSX is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.03

Over the past year, RSEAX and RFBSX have become more correlated (0.23) than their long-term average of 0.03, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

RSEAX vs. RFBSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSEAX

RSEAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
RSEAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
RSEAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
RSEAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
RSEAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
RSEAX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

RFBSX

RFBSX Risk / Return Rank: 89
RFBSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
RFBSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
RFBSX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
RFBSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
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.

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund (RSEAX) 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.

	RSEAX	RFBSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	3.01	-0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	4.85	-1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.63	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	3.97	-1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.75	16.91	-5.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSEAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the RFBSX Sharpe Ratio of 3.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSEAX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RSEAX	RFBSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.14	3.01	-0.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56	1.00	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	1.32	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	1.02	-0.32

Drawdowns

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSEAX drawdown since its inception was -34.37%, which is greater than RFBSX's maximum drawdown of -9.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSEAX and RFBSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSEAX	RFBSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.37%	-9.71%	-24.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.19%	-1.04%	-8.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.68%	-1.04%	-24.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.52%	-7.80%	-19.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.37%	-7.80%	-26.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.12%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-2.21%	-2.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	0.24%	+1.91%

Volatility

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Volatility Comparison

Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund (RSEAX) has a higher volatility of 2.75% compared to Russell Investments Short Duration Bond Fund (RFBSX) at 0.50%. This indicates that RSEAX'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

	RSEAX	RFBSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.75%	0.50%	+2.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.85%	1.00%	+7.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.80%	1.38%	+10.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.47%	2.06%	+16.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.86%	1.75%	+17.11%

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSEAX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than RFBSX's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSEAX vs. RFBSX - Dividend Comparison

RSEAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.66%, 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%
RSEAX Russell Investments U.S. Strategic Equity Fund	10.66%	11.81%	10.74%	4.04%	6.61%	7.64%	0.52%	5.07%	23.30%	9.12%	5.47%	6.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSEAX and RFBSX in my portfolio?

RSEAX and RFBSX have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSEAX or RFBSX?

RSEAX has higher volatility (2.75%) compared to RFBSX (0.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSEAX dropped -34.37% vs RFBSX's -9.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFBSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.01 vs 2.14), 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.