JAFLX vs. JNRFX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

JAFLX (Janus Henderson VIT Flexible Bond Portfolio) and JNRFX (Janus Henderson Research Fund) are both mutual funds - JAFLX is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund managed by Janus Henderson, while JNRFX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Janus Henderson. Over the past 10 years, JAFLX returned 2.01%/yr vs 16.77%/yr for JNRFX. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. JAFLX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for JNRFX.

Performance

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson VIT Flexible Bond Portfolio (JAFLX) and Janus Henderson Research Fund (JNRFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JAFLX achieves a 0.20% return, which is significantly lower than JNRFX's 9.50% return. Over the past 10 years, JAFLX has underperformed JNRFX with an annualized return of 2.01%, while JNRFX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.77% annualized return.

JAFLX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -0.00%
• YTD: 0.20%
• 6M: 0.36%
• 1Y: 5.36%
• 3Y*: 4.28%
• 5Y*: 0.22%
• 10Y*: 2.01%

JNRFX

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 7.78%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 8.68%
• 1Y: 26.66%
• 3Y*: 26.45%
• 5Y*: 14.74%
• 10Y*: 16.77%

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

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JAFLX Janus Henderson VIT Flexible Bond Portfolio	0.20%	7.41%	1.96%	5.52%	-13.64%	-0.89%	10.48%	9.57%	-1.00%	3.62%
JNRFX Janus Henderson Research Fund	9.50%	18.45%	35.13%	43.14%	-29.96%	20.19%	32.82%	35.40%	-2.73%	25.90%

Correlation

The correlation between JAFLX and JNRFX is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 1993	-0.07

The correlation between JAFLX and JNRFX shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (all time) to 0.23 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

JAFLX vs. JNRFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JAFLX

JAFLX Risk / Return Rank: 22
JAFLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
JAFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
JAFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
JAFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
JAFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

JNRFX

JNRFX Risk / Return Rank: 28
JNRFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
JNRFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
JNRFX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
JNRFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
JNRFX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson VIT Flexible Bond Portfolio (JAFLX) and Janus Henderson Research Fund (JNRFX). 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.

	JAFLX	JNRFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.36	1.75	-0.39
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	2.39	-0.39
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.31	-0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	1.61	+0.22
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.69	5.58	+0.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JAFLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.36, which is comparable to the JNRFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JAFLX and JNRFX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	JAFLX	JNRFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.36	1.75	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.67	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41	0.79	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.04	0.47	+0.57

Drawdowns

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JAFLX drawdown since its inception was -18.06%, smaller than the maximum JNRFX drawdown of -74.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JAFLX and JNRFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JAFLX	JNRFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.06%	-74.74%	+56.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.87%	-17.05%	+14.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.51%	-22.66%	+16.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.06%	-36.48%	+18.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.06%	-36.48%	+18.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.58%	0.00%	-1.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.12%	-24.96%	+22.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	4.94%	-4.02%

Volatility

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Janus Henderson VIT Flexible Bond Portfolio (JAFLX) is 1.41%, while Janus Henderson Research Fund (JNRFX) has a volatility of 3.72%. This indicates that JAFLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JNRFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JAFLX	JNRFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.41%	3.72%	-2.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.71%	12.32%	-9.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.74%	15.89%	-12.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.06%	22.03%	-15.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.94%	21.33%	-16.39%

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JAFLX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than JNRFX's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

JAFLX vs. JNRFX - Dividend Comparison

JAFLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.33%, less than JNRFX's 10.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JAFLX Janus Henderson VIT Flexible Bond Portfolio	5.33%	5.34%	5.09%	4.27%	4.75%	4.84%	2.87%	3.31%	3.21%	2.98%	2.92%	2.90%
JNRFX Janus Henderson Research Fund	10.90%	11.94%	5.11%	2.93%	0.43%	13.01%	2.98%	10.37%	11.06%	8.22%	5.41%	9.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JAFLX and JNRFX in my portfolio?

JAFLX and JNRFX have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JAFLX or JNRFX?

JNRFX has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to JAFLX (1.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JAFLX dropped -18.06% vs JNRFX's -74.74%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JNRFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.36), 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.