VT vs. FBALX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) and FBALX (Fidelity Balanced Fund) are both funds - VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index, while FBALX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Fidelity. VT is passively managed, while FBALX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VT returned 12.93%/yr vs 11.70%/yr for FBALX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VT charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for FBALX.

Performance

VT vs. FBALX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VT achieves a 11.06% return, which is significantly higher than FBALX's 8.71% return. Over the past 10 years, VT has outperformed FBALX with an annualized return of 12.93%, while FBALX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.70% annualized return.

VT

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 11.06%
• 6M: 11.82%
• 1Y: 27.43%
• 3Y*: 19.71%
• 5Y*: 10.65%
• 10Y*: 12.93%

FBALX

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 6M: 9.51%
• 1Y: 22.65%
• 3Y*: 15.96%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 10Y*: 11.70%

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

VT vs. FBALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	11.06%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%
FBALX Fidelity Balanced Fund	8.71%	15.11%	16.09%	20.31%	-18.29%	18.27%	22.45%	24.40%	-3.98%	16.52%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and FBALX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2008	0.94

The correlation between VT and FBALX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VT vs. FBALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 68
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

FBALX

FBALX Risk / Return Rank: 87
FBALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FBALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FBALX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FBALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FBALX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

VT vs. FBALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX). 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.

	VT	FBALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.45	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	3.39	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.47	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	3.44	-0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	16.08	-4.41

VT vs. FBALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the FBALX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT and FBALX, 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

VT vs. FBALX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, which is greater than FBALX's maximum drawdown of -43.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and FBALX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	FBALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-43.57%	-6.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-6.47%	-3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-12.88%	-3.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	-22.89%	-3.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	-26.68%	-7.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-1.44%	-0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.01%	-4.37%	-2.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	1.38%	+0.84%

Volatility

VT vs. FBALX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) has a higher volatility of 5.26% compared to Fidelity Balanced Fund (FBALX) at 3.69%. This indicates that VT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FBALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VT	FBALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.26%	3.69%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.01%	7.41%	+3.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.38%	9.06%	+4.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	12.24%	+3.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	12.81%	+4.46%

VT vs. FBALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VT has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FBALX's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

VT vs. FBALX - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, less than FBALX's 5.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FBALX Fidelity Balanced Fund	5.22%	5.69%	5.67%	2.28%	8.06%	9.66%	5.90%	4.24%	10.99%	7.90%	3.07%	7.70%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.61%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VT and FBALX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VT and FBALX 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, VT or FBALX?

VT has higher volatility (5.26%) compared to FBALX (3.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs FBALX's -43.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FBALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.94), 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.