Fixed Income / Global
Capital World Bond Fund®
A broadly diversified approach to global bonds. Invests primarily in sovereign and corporate bonds in more than 60 developed and developing markets. It provides exposure to high-yielding bond markets and currencies outside the U.S., adding an extra layer of diversification from U.S. investment-grade (BBB/Baa and above) bonds. This approach supports the strategy’s managers with geographic flexibility and the ability to navigate different markets.
Overview
Key information
Objective
The fund's investment objective is to provide you, over the long term, with a high level of total return consistent with prudent investment management. Total return comprises the income generated by the fund and the changes in the market value of the fund's investments.
Types of investments
Primarily government/agency, corporate and mortgage- and asset-backed bonds.
Distinguishing characteristics
This broadly diversified global bond strategy invests primarily in sovereign and corporate bonds in more than 60 developed and developing markets. The strategy has a conservative investment philosophy, investing in a portfolio of global bonds with moderate exposure to emerging markets. It also provides exposure to high-yield bond markets and currencies outside the U.S., adding an extra layer of diversification from U.S. investment-grade (BBB/Baa and above) bonds. One of the earliest investors in the global bond markets and emerging markets debt, this is our most research-intensive bond strategy; with a team of more than 100 all over the world, it takes full advantage of our global presence and insights.
Portfolio restrictions
The fund may invest up to 25% of assets in bonds rated below investment grade (BB/Ba and below, or unrated, but determined by the fund’s investment adviser to be of equivalent quality) at the time of purchase, including high-yield corporate bonds or those issued by developing country governments and companies.
Key facts
Fund inception
8/4/87
Fund assets (millions)
$9,899.1
As of 7/31/26 (updated monthly)
Issuers (#)
843
As of 7/31/26 (updated monthly)
Regular dividends paid 4
March, June, Sep., Dec.
Capital gains paid 4
June, Dec.
Fiscal year-end
December
Prospectus date
3/1/26
CUSIP
140541 11 1
Fund number
731
Portfolio managers6
Principal Investment Officer
Portfolio managers6
Principal Investment Officer
Returns
Investment results1, 2
Total returns for periods ended 7/31/26 (%)
- ●NAV
- ●Index
| FUND | Daily YTD | 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | 10Y | 15Y | 20Y | Lifetime |
|---|
Index data refers to the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Indextooltip: Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index represents the global investment-grade fixed income markets. This index is unmanaged, and its results include reinvested distributions but do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes..
Daily YTD as of 8/24/26.
Fund inception: 8/4/87. The index lifetime return is based on the inception date of the fund.
Risk measures
As of 7/31/26 (updated monthly)
| Standard deviation (%)tooltip: Annualized standard deviation (based on monthly returns) is a common measure of absolute volatility that tells how returns over time have varied from the mean. A lower number signifies lower volatility. | |
| WFBFX | 7.33 |
| —tooltip: | — |
| Sharpe ratiotooltip: Sharpe ratios use standard deviation and excess return to determine reward per unit of risk. The higher the number, the better the portfolio's historical risk-adjusted performance. | |
| WFBFX | -0.25 |
| —tooltip: | — |
| R-squared (%)tooltip: R-squared is a measure of the correlation between a particular return and that of a benchmark index. A measure of 100 indicates that all of the return can be explained by movements in the benchmark. Generally the higher the R-squared measure, the more reliable the beta measurement will be. | 99.16 |
| Alphatooltip: Alpha is a measure of the difference between a portfolio's actual returns and its expected results, given its level of risk as measured by beta. A positive alpha figure indicates the portfolio has performed better than its beta would predict. In contrast, a negative alpha indicates the portfolio has underperformed, given the expectations established by beta. | 0.03 |
| Betatooltip: Beta relatively measures sensitivity to market movements over a specified period of time. The beta of the market (represented by the benchmark index) is equal to 1; a beta higher than 1 implies that a return was more volatile than the market. A beta lower than 1 suggests that a return was less volatile than the market. Generally the higher the R-squared measure, the more reliable the beta measurement will be. | 1.09 |
| Information ratiotooltip: The information ratio represents the excess return generated (over the market) per unit of relative risk as measured by tracking error. | -0.15 |
| Downside capture ratio (%)tooltip: Ratio of a portfolio/composite's return during periods when the index was down, divided by the return of the index during those periods. For example, during periods when the index was down, a down-capture ratio greater than 100 indicates the portfolio/composite produced a lower return than the index. | 111 |
| Upside capture ratio (%)tooltip: Ratio of a portfolio/composite's return during periods when the index was up, divided by the return of the index during those periods. For example, an up-capture ratio greater than 100 indicates the portfolio/composite produced a higher return than the index during periods when the index was up. | 107 |
| Tracking error (%)tooltip: The tracking error is the standard deviation of the difference between the returns of an investment and its benchmark. | 0.91 |
| S&P 500 correlationtooltip: Correlation describes the strength of the association between a return and a benchmark. Correlation is shown on a scale from 1 to -1. The higher the positive correlation, the more closely the return and the benchmark moved relative to one another. The lower the negative correlation, the more the return and the benchmark diverged from one another. | 0.55 |
| MSCI ACWI correlationtooltip: Correlation describes the strength of the association between a return and a benchmark. Correlation is shown on a scale from 1 to -1. The higher the positive correlation, the more closely the return and the benchmark moved relative to one another. The lower the negative correlation, the more the return and the benchmark diverged from one another. | 0.68 |
Data calculated against the —tooltip: unless noted otherwise.
Prices & distributions
As of 8/24/26
- Price at nav ($)
- Price change ($)
- Price change (%)
| YTD dividends subtotal | $0.3483 |
| YTD cap gains subtotal | $0.00 |
| YTD total distributions | $0.3483 |
Yield
As of 7/31/26 (updated monthly, %)
| 12-month distribution rate (at NAV)tooltip: The income per share paid by the fund over the past 12 months to an investor from dividends (including any special dividends). The distribution rate is expressed as a percentage of the current price.5 | 4.36 |
| 30-day SEC yield (gross/net)tooltip: The 30-day SEC yield reflects the rate at which the fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities calculated according to the standardized SEC formula; when applicable, it reflects the maximum sales charge. If shown, a net yield reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect during the period. Without waivers and/or reimbursements, the yield would be reduced. Gross yield does not adjust for any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect. | 4.82 / 4.82 |
Ratings are based on risk-adjusted returns.
Portfolio composition
Asset mix
As of 7/31/26 (updated monthly, %)
U.S. Equities | 0.0 |
|---|---|
Non-U.S. Equities | 0.0 |
U.S. Bonds | 38.3 |
Non-U.S. Bonds | 53.9 |
Cash, Equivalents & Other8 | 7.7 |
U.S. Equities | 0.0 |
|---|---|
Non-U.S. Equities | 0.0 |
U.S Bonds | 38.3 |
Non-U.S. Bonds | 53.9 |
Cash, Equivalents & Other | 7.7 |
Key statistics
As of 7/31/26 (updated monthly)
WFBFX | INDEX | |
|---|---|---|
Yield to worst (%)tooltip: Lower of Yield to Maturity or the bond's total return if put or call options are exercised prior to maturity but no default occurs. | 5.0 | 4.0 |
Yield to maturity (%)tooltip: A bond's total return if held to maturity and no default occurs or options are exercised. Assumes coupons are paid on time and accounts for their present value. Assumes principal is returned at maturity. | 5.2 | 4.0 |
Average coupon (%)tooltip: The average coupon is the weighted average coupon rate of all the bond holdings. | 4.1 | 3.1 |
Effective duration (years)tooltip: Effective duration is a duration calculation for bonds that takes into account that expected cash flows will fluctuate as interest rates change. | 6.4 | 6.1 |
Spread duration (years)tooltip: A measure of fixed income securities' sensitivity to spread movement. | 3.1 | 3.3 |
Option adjusted spread (bps)tooltip: Option-adjusted spread is a yield-spread calculation used to value securities with embedded options. | 61 | 29 |
Duration times spread (bps)tooltip: A measure of fixed income securities' spread exposure, taking into account both spread duration and credit spread exposure. | 272 | 192 |
Index data refers to the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Indextooltip: Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index represents the global investment-grade fixed income markets. This index is unmanaged, and its results include reinvested distributions but do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes..
Morningstar Style Box™9
As of 6/30/26 (updated quarterly)
Top fixed income issuers
As of 6/30/26 (updated monthly, %)
| WFBFX | Index | |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Treasury | 11.5% | 19.1% |
| Japan, Government of | 4.5% | 7.0% |
| UMBS | 2.7% | 7.3% |
| UK Government | 2.3% | 2.5% |
| Republic of Italy | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Brazil, Federal Government of | 2.2% | — |
| Fannie Mae | 2.1% | 0.0% |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage | 2.1% | 0.2% |
| France, Republic of | 2.0% | 3.0% |
| Pemex | 1.8% | — |
Index data refers to the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Indextooltip: Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index represents the global investment-grade fixed income markets. This index is unmanaged, and its results include reinvested distributions but do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes..
Portfolio exposures
As of 7/31/26 (updated monthly, %)
| Market value (%) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sectors | WFBFX | INDEX | |
| Government | 29.8 | 44.9 | |
| Credit | 24.2 | 26.9 | |
| Securitized | 13.3 | 12.5 | |
| Emerging markets | 23.7 | 15.7 | |
| High yield | 2.9 | 0.0 | |
| Other11 | -0.4 | 0.0 | |
| Cash & equivalents10 | 6.5 | — | |
Fees & expenses
Fees
As of the most recent prospectus (%)
Annual management fees | 0.43 |
|---|---|
Other expenses | 0.05 |
12b-1 | n/a |
Expense ratio
Values shown as percentages (%)
WFBFX (gross/net)3 | 0.48/0.48 |
|---|---|
Morningstar World Bond Institutional median13 As of 6/30/26 (updated quarterly) | 0.62 |
Resources
Timely thought leadership to guide your investment perspectives
EXPLORE INSIGHTSFind resources on topics ranging from plan design to participant education
EXPLORE RESOURCESFigures shown are past results and are not predictive of results in future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Investing for short periods makes losses more likely.
Prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money.
View mutual fund expense ratios and returns.
View current mutual fund SEC yields.
Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.
Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses.
This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and/or summary prospectuses, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.
Bond ratings, which typically range from AAA/Aaa (highest) to D (lowest), are assigned by credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor's, Moody's and/or Fitch, as an indication of an issuer's creditworthiness.
Unless otherwise noted below, if agency ratings differ, a security will be considered to have received the highest of those ratings, consistent with applicable investment policies. Securities in the Unrated category have not been rated by any of the rating agencies referenced above; however, the investment adviser performs its own credit analysis and assigns comparable ratings that are used for compliance with applicable investment policies.
The use of derivatives involves a variety of risks, which may be different from, or greater than, the risks associated with investing in traditional securities, such as stocks and bonds.
Lower rated bonds are subject to greater fluctuations in value and risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated bonds.
The return of principal for bond portfolios and portfolios with significant underlying bond holdings is not guaranteed. Investments are subject to the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks associated with the underlying bond holdings.
Investing outside the United States involves risks, such as currency fluctuations, periods of illiquidity and price volatility. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing countries.
There have been periods when the results lagged the index(es) and/or average(s).
The indexes are unmanaged and, therefore, have no expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.
Source: Bloomberg Index Services Limited. BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively "Bloomberg"). Bloomberg or Bloomberg's licensors own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Indices. Neither Bloomberg nor Bloomberg's licensors approves or endorses this material, or guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, or makes any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.
All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.
Portfolios are managed, so holdings will change.
Certain fixed income and/or cash and equivalents holdings may be held through mutual funds managed by the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not offered to the public.
Totals may not reconcile due to rounding and/or cash flows.
Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses.
When applicable, results reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which they would have been lower and net expenses higher.
For mutual funds, read details about how waivers and/or reimbursements affect the results for each fund.
View results and yields without fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.
Certain share classes were offered after the inception dates of some funds. Results for these shares prior to the dates of first sale are hypothetical based on the original share class results without a sales charge, adjusted for typical estimated expenses.
- Class F-3 shares were first offered on 1/27/2017.
1.
YTD (year-to-date return): For the period from January 1 of the current year to the date shown or from inception date if first offered after January 1 of the current year.
2.
When applicable, returns for less than one year are not annualized, but calculated as cumulative total returns.
3.
Expense ratios are as of each fund's prospectus/characteristics statement, as applicable, available at the time of publication.
4.
The months indicated for dividends and capital gains paid represent the anticipated current year ex-dividend date schedule for all share classes.
5.
The distribution rate reflects the fund's past dividends paid to shareholders and may differ from the fund's SEC yield which reflects the rate at which the fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities. The distribution rate reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect during the period. Without waivers and/or reimbursements, it would be reduced.
A portion of the fund's distribution may be classified as a return of capital. Please refer to the fund's Annual Report for details.
6.
Reflects current team at the time of publication. Years of experience in investment industry and Capital Group are as of the most recent year end.
7.
The Morningstar Rating™ for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The Morningstar Rating does not include any adjustment for sales loads. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods. Past results are not a guarantee of results in future periods. The Morningstar Ratings are based on the share classes of each underlying fund held by the series; other underlying fund share classes may have different performance characteristics.
8.
Includes cash, short‑term securities, other assets less liabilities, and certain accruals. It may also include investments in money market or similar funds managed by the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not offered to the public.
9.
Read more information about Morningstar Style Box methodology.
The model for the fixed-income style box is based on the two pillars of fixed-income performance: interest-rate sensitivity and credit quality. The three interest sensitivity groups are limited, moderate and extensive and the three credit quality groups are high, medium and low. These groupings display a portfolio's effective duration and third party credit ratings to provide an overall representation of the fund's risk orientation given the sensitivity to interest rate and credit rating of bonds in the portfolio.
10.
Includes cash, short-term securities, other assets less liabilities, and may include accrued income. It may also include investments in money market or similar funds managed by the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not offered to the public.
11.
Sector breakdown "Other" may include equities, rights, warrants, preferreds, convertibles, forwards, the market value of certain derivative instruments and other uncategorized securities.
12.
Rating exposure ”Other” may include equities, rights, warrants, preferreds, convertibles, forwards and FX (foreign exchange) options.
13.
Source for Morningstar expense ratio comparison: Morningstar, based on Morningstar World Bond Institutional median funds' most recent fiscal year-ends available as of the most recent quarter-end.
Use of this website is intended for U.S. residents only.
Capital Client Group, Inc.
This content, developed by Capital Group, home of American Funds, should not be used as a primary basis for investment decisions and is not intended to serve as impartial investment or fiduciary advice.
© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar, its content providers nor Capital Group are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Information is calculated by Morningstar. When applicable, due to differing calculation methods, the figures shown here may differ from those calculated by Capital Group.