FRBAX vs. HSFNX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FRBAX (John Hancock Regional Bank Fund) and HSFNX (Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund) are both Financials Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FRBAX returned 10.42%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for HSFNX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FRBAX charges 1.22%/yr vs 1.58%/yr for HSFNX.

Performance

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Regional Bank Fund (FRBAX) and Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund (HSFNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRBAX achieves a 11.77% return, which is significantly higher than HSFNX's 10.50% return. Over the past 10 years, FRBAX has outperformed HSFNX with an annualized return of 10.42%, while HSFNX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.87% annualized return.

FRBAX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 4.17%
• YTD: 11.77%
• 6M: 8.21%
• 1Y: 30.86%
• 3Y*: 23.61%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 10.42%

HSFNX

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 3.70%
• YTD: 10.50%
• 6M: 6.36%
• 1Y: 36.20%
• 3Y*: 20.18%
• 5Y*: 7.22%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FRBAX John Hancock Regional Bank Fund	11.77%	11.07%	22.54%	-1.93%	-12.25%	40.51%	-10.11%	27.60%	-17.61%	10.32%
HSFNX Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund	10.50%	12.79%	10.76%	4.64%	-11.14%	42.76%	2.56%	19.91%	-15.88%	-0.20%

Correlation

The correlation between FRBAX and HSFNX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1998	0.88

The correlation between FRBAX and HSFNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FRBAX vs. HSFNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRBAX

FRBAX Risk / Return Rank: 31
FRBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FRBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FRBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FRBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
FRBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

HSFNX

HSFNX Risk / Return Rank: 37
HSFNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
HSFNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
HSFNX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
HSFNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
HSFNX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Regional Bank Fund (FRBAX) and Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund (HSFNX). 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.

	FRBAX	HSFNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.55	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.17	-0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.28	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	2.74	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.91	7.17	-1.27

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRBAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the HSFNX Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRBAX and HSFNX, 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

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRBAX drawdown since its inception was -67.55%, roughly equal to the maximum HSFNX drawdown of -70.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRBAX and HSFNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRBAX	HSFNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.55%	-70.18%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.22%	-13.61%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.26%	-27.33%	+2.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.15%	-43.00%	-3.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.24%	-50.68%	-1.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.96%	-2.10%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.27%	-25.98%	+13.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.35%	5.18%	+0.17%

Volatility

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Regional Bank Fund (FRBAX) is 6.13%, while Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund (HSFNX) has a volatility of 6.55%. This indicates that FRBAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HSFNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRBAX	HSFNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.13%	6.55%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.82%	15.99%	-1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.49%	24.12%	-2.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.48%	27.39%	-0.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.33%	29.35%	-0.02%

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRBAX has a 1.22% expense ratio, which is lower than HSFNX's 1.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRBAX vs. HSFNX - Dividend Comparison

FRBAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.87%, less than HSFNX's 9.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRBAX John Hancock Regional Bank Fund	7.87%	8.82%	9.72%	2.65%	5.83%	5.26%	2.43%	1.75%	1.92%	1.76%	2.94%	4.42%
HSFNX Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund	9.94%	10.99%	5.97%	4.63%	9.14%	0.97%	0.91%	3.43%	7.34%	8.19%	12.46%	7.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRBAX and HSFNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FRBAX and HSFNX 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, FRBAX or HSFNX?

HSFNX has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to FRBAX (6.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRBAX dropped -67.55% vs HSFNX's -70.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HSFNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 1.48), 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.