JELCX vs. AYBLX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JELCX (John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio) and AYBLX (Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, JELCX returned 2.13%/yr vs 10.59%/yr for AYBLX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JELCX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AYBLX.

Performance

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio (JELCX) and Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JELCX achieves a 3.35% return, which is significantly lower than AYBLX's 14.22% return. Over the past 10 years, JELCX has underperformed AYBLX with an annualized return of 2.13%, while AYBLX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.59% annualized return.

JELCX

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 1.06%
• YTD: 3.35%
• 6M: 3.26%
• 1Y: 9.88%
• 3Y*: 6.04%
• 5Y*: 1.27%
• 10Y*: 2.13%

AYBLX

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 1.85%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 14.00%
• 1Y: 33.22%
• 3Y*: 17.09%
• 5Y*: 9.89%
• 10Y*: 10.59%

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

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JELCX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio	3.35%	8.84%	3.59%	5.49%	-14.80%	3.47%	3.39%	13.38%	-2.18%	3.24%
AYBLX Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund	14.22%	19.80%	9.64%	15.41%	-14.39%	15.48%	12.92%	22.22%	-4.43%	15.19%

Correlation

The correlation between JELCX and AYBLX 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	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 1997	0.68

The correlation between JELCX and AYBLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (5 years) to 0.74 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

JELCX vs. AYBLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JELCX

JELCX Risk / Return Rank: 63
JELCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
JELCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
JELCX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
JELCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
JELCX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

AYBLX

AYBLX Risk / Return Rank: 94
AYBLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
AYBLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
AYBLX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
AYBLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
AYBLX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio (JELCX) and Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX). 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.

	JELCX	AYBLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	3.30	-1.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	4.63	-1.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.61	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	5.12	-2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.31	23.78	-12.47

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JELCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is lower than the AYBLX Sharpe Ratio of 3.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JELCX and AYBLX, 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

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JELCX drawdown since its inception was -33.80%, smaller than the maximum AYBLX drawdown of -36.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JELCX and AYBLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JELCX	AYBLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.80%	-36.28%	+2.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.05%	-6.41%	+2.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.02%	-13.39%	+6.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.46%	-20.26%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.46%	-24.24%	+5.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.32%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.45%	-3.78%	-6.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	1.38%	-0.44%

Volatility

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio (JELCX) is 1.87%, while Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX) has a volatility of 3.74%. This indicates that JELCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AYBLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JELCX	AYBLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.87%	3.74%	-1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.01%	7.86%	-3.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.24%	9.94%	-4.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.34%	11.13%	-4.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.57%	11.33%	-5.76%

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JELCX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than AYBLX's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

JELCX vs. AYBLX - Dividend Comparison

JELCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.68%, more than AYBLX's 3.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AYBLX Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund	3.24%	3.58%	2.59%	1.76%	3.23%	8.61%	4.12%	6.03%	9.97%	9.42%	2.63%	4.14%
JELCX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio	3.68%	3.81%	3.39%	5.18%	3.05%	3.12%	4.47%	2.39%	5.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JELCX and AYBLX in my portfolio?

JELCX and AYBLX 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, JELCX or AYBLX?

AYBLX has higher volatility (3.74%) compared to JELCX (1.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JELCX dropped -33.80% vs AYBLX's -36.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AYBLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.30 vs 2.12), 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.