FRBAX vs. VFAIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FRBAX (John Hancock Regional Bank Fund) and VFAIX (Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Financials Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FRBAX returned 10.42%/yr vs 13.16%/yr for VFAIX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FRBAX charges 1.22%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VFAIX.

Performance

FRBAX vs. VFAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Regional Bank Fund (FRBAX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). 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 VFAIX's -1.21% return. Over the past 10 years, FRBAX has underperformed VFAIX with an annualized return of 10.42%, while VFAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.16% 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%

VFAIX

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: -1.21%
• 6M: -2.50%
• 1Y: 9.24%
• 3Y*: 19.62%
• 5Y*: 10.94%
• 10Y*: 13.16%

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

FRBAX vs. VFAIX - 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%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	-1.21%	14.90%	30.46%	14.07%	-12.26%	36.27%	-2.15%	31.63%	-13.47%	20.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FRBAX and VFAIX is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.91

The correlation between FRBAX and VFAIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.91 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FRBAX vs. VFAIX — 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

VFAIX

VFAIX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VFAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VFAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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. VFAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Regional Bank Fund (FRBAX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). 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	VFAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	0.64	+0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	0.96	+1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.12	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	0.65	+1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.91	1.70	+4.21

FRBAX vs. VFAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRBAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is higher than the VFAIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRBAX and VFAIX, 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. VFAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRBAX drawdown since its inception was -67.55%, smaller than the maximum VFAIX drawdown of -78.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRBAX and VFAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRBAX	VFAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.55%	-78.64%	+11.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.22%	-14.72%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.26%	-17.31%	-7.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.15%	-25.71%	-20.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.24%	-44.37%	-7.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.96%	-4.22%	+2.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.27%	-18.58%	+6.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.35%	5.65%	-0.30%

Volatility

FRBAX vs. VFAIX - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Regional Bank Fund (FRBAX) has a higher volatility of 6.13% compared to Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) at 4.31%. This indicates that FRBAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRBAX	VFAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.13%	4.31%	+1.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.82%	11.37%	+3.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.49%	14.92%	+6.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.48%	19.32%	+7.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.33%	22.62%	+6.71%

FRBAX vs. VFAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRBAX has a 1.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VFAIX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRBAX vs. VFAIX - Dividend Comparison

FRBAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.87%, more than VFAIX's 1.48% 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%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.48%	1.56%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	2.62%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.54%	1.64%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRBAX and VFAIX in my portfolio?

FRBAX and VFAIX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRBAX or VFAIX?

FRBAX has higher volatility (6.13%) compared to VFAIX (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRBAX dropped -67.55% vs VFAIX's -78.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 0.64), 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.