AYBLX vs. LKBAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AYBLX (Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund) and LKBAX (LKCM Balanced Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, AYBLX returned 10.62%/yr vs 8.15%/yr for LKBAX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AYBLX charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for LKBAX.

Performance

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX) and LKCM Balanced Fund (LKBAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AYBLX achieves a 13.44% return, which is significantly higher than LKBAX's 0.28% return. Over the past 10 years, AYBLX has outperformed LKBAX with an annualized return of 10.62%, while LKBAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.15% annualized return.

AYBLX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 13.44%
• 6M: 12.73%
• 1Y: 30.34%
• 3Y*: 17.34%
• 5Y*: 9.34%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

LKBAX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -1.95%
• YTD: 0.28%
• 6M: -0.39%
• 1Y: 4.94%
• 3Y*: 8.73%
• 5Y*: 3.98%
• 10Y*: 8.15%

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

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AYBLX Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund	13.44%	19.80%	9.64%	15.41%	-14.39%	15.48%	12.92%	22.22%	-4.43%	15.19%
LKBAX LKCM Balanced Fund	0.28%	8.44%	10.97%	10.85%	-13.86%	14.01%	15.28%	21.86%	-2.15%	12.88%

Correlation

The correlation between AYBLX and LKBAX is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 1997	0.91

The correlation between AYBLX and LKBAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.81 (1 year) to 0.92 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

AYBLX vs. LKBAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AYBLX

AYBLX Risk / Return Rank: 94
AYBLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
AYBLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
AYBLX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AYBLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
AYBLX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

LKBAX

LKBAX Risk / Return Rank: 11
LKBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
LKBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
LKBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
LKBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
LKBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX) and LKCM Balanced Fund (LKBAX). 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.

	AYBLX	LKBAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.07	0.65	+2.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.31	0.94	+3.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.12	+0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.76	0.82	+3.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.03	3.20	+18.83

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AYBLX Sharpe Ratio is 3.07, which is higher than the LKBAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AYBLX and LKBAX, 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

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AYBLX drawdown since its inception was -36.28%, which is greater than LKBAX's maximum drawdown of -31.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AYBLX and LKBAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AYBLX	LKBAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.28%	-31.40%	-4.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.41%	-5.71%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.39%	-11.65%	-1.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.26%	-19.63%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.24%	-26.04%	+1.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.00%	-2.32%	+1.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.78%	-4.27%	+0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.38%	1.47%	-0.09%

Volatility

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Volatility Comparison

Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX) has a higher volatility of 3.76% compared to LKCM Balanced Fund (LKBAX) at 2.45%. This indicates that AYBLX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LKBAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AYBLX	LKBAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.76%	2.45%	+1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.88%	5.61%	+2.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.98%	7.21%	+2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.14%	10.87%	+0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.32%	11.88%	-0.56%

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AYBLX has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than LKBAX's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

AYBLX vs. LKBAX - Dividend Comparison

AYBLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.26%, less than LKBAX's 6.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AYBLX Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund	3.26%	3.58%	2.59%	1.76%	3.23%	8.61%	4.12%	6.03%	9.97%	9.42%	2.63%	4.14%
LKBAX LKCM Balanced Fund	6.00%	6.00%	4.60%	3.49%	3.59%	4.41%	4.18%	5.95%	3.02%	4.09%	5.06%	3.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AYBLX and LKBAX in my portfolio?

AYBLX and LKBAX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AYBLX or LKBAX?

AYBLX has higher volatility (3.76%) compared to LKBAX (2.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AYBLX dropped -36.28% vs LKBAX's -31.40%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AYBLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.07 vs 0.65), 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.