SPBAX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

SPBAX (DWS Multi-Asset Conservative Allocation Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, SPBAX returned 5.03%/yr vs 9.90%/yr for VBAIX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SPBAX charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DWS Multi-Asset Conservative Allocation Fund (SPBAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPBAX achieves a 3.46% return, which is significantly lower than VBAIX's 7.02% return. Over the past 10 years, SPBAX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 5.03%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.90% annualized return.

SPBAX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.11%
• 6M: 2.57%
• YTD: 3.46%
• 1Y: 9.01%
• 3Y*: 8.62%
• 5Y*: 3.04%
• 10Y*: 5.03%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 0.95%
• 6M: 5.55%
• YTD: 7.02%
• 1Y: 15.00%
• 3Y*: 15.52%
• 5Y*: 7.87%
• 10Y*: 9.90%

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

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPBAX DWS Multi-Asset Conservative Allocation Fund	3.46%	9.25%	6.57%	11.18%	-14.64%	8.26%	8.33%	16.33%	-6.07%	10.93%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.02%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between SPBAX and VBAIX is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2000	0.95

The correlation between SPBAX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPBAX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPBAX

SPBAX Risk / Return Rank: 53
SPBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SPBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
SPBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DWS Multi-Asset Conservative Allocation Fund (SPBAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	SPBAX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	1.77	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	2.52	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	2.53	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.47	11.10	-2.62

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPBAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPBAX and VBAIX, 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

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPBAX drawdown since its inception was -42.82%, which is greater than VBAIX's maximum drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPBAX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPBAX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.82%	-35.82%	-7.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.20%	-5.84%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.28%	-11.57%	+3.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.71%	-21.52%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.90%	-22.77%	+2.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	-0.36%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.42%	-4.41%	-2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	1.33%	-0.31%

Volatility

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DWS Multi-Asset Conservative Allocation Fund (SPBAX) is 1.86%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) has a volatility of 2.83%. This indicates that SPBAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPBAX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.86%	2.83%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.41%	6.75%	-2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.34%	8.37%	-3.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.87%	11.18%	-3.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.15%	11.24%	-3.09%

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPBAX has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPBAX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

SPBAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.27%, more than VBAIX's 5.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPBAX DWS Multi-Asset Conservative Allocation Fund	11.27%	10.51%	5.39%	4.26%	2.46%	7.53%	4.50%	2.23%	1.90%	1.84%	2.05%	3.48%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.33%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPBAX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, SPBAX and VBAIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SPBAX or VBAIX?

VBAIX has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to SPBAX (1.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPBAX dropped -42.82% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.63), 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.