JELCX vs. BRUFX

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

JELCX (John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio) and BRUFX (Bruce Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, JELCX returned 2.02%/yr vs 7.73%/yr for BRUFX. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JELCX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for BRUFX.

Performance

JELCX vs. BRUFX - 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 Bruce Fund (BRUFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JELCX achieves a 3.16% return, which is significantly lower than BRUFX's 15.92% return. Over the past 10 years, JELCX has underperformed BRUFX with an annualized return of 2.02%, while BRUFX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.73% annualized return.

JELCX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.19%
• 6M: 3.05%
• YTD: 3.16%
• 1Y: 8.03%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: 1.07%
• 10Y*: 2.02%

BRUFX

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 6.03%
• 6M: 15.33%
• YTD: 15.92%
• 1Y: 26.79%
• 3Y*: 12.61%
• 5Y*: 5.92%
• 10Y*: 7.73%

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

JELCX vs. BRUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JELCX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio	3.16%	8.84%	3.59%	5.49%	-14.80%	3.47%	3.39%	13.38%	-2.18%	3.24%
BRUFX Bruce Fund	15.92%	14.89%	4.45%	-0.74%	-8.80%	17.35%	12.06%	22.42%	-3.99%	12.48%

Correlation

The correlation between JELCX and BRUFX is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1997	0.52

The correlation between JELCX and BRUFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.44 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JELCX vs. BRUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JELCX

JELCX Risk / Return Rank: 57
JELCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
JELCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
JELCX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
JELCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
JELCX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

BRUFX

BRUFX Risk / Return Rank: 89
BRUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
BRUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BRUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
BRUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
BRUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. BRUFX - 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 Bruce Fund (BRUFX). 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	BRUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.52	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	3.58	-1.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.44	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	3.56	-1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.00	15.74	-6.74

JELCX vs. BRUFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JELCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is lower than the BRUFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JELCX and BRUFX, 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. BRUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JELCX drawdown since its inception was -33.80%, smaller than the maximum BRUFX drawdown of -44.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JELCX and BRUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JELCX	BRUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.80%	-44.50%	+10.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.05%	-7.67%	+3.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.02%	-9.66%	+2.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.46%	-17.91%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.46%	-25.44%	+6.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-0.35%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.44%	-9.05%	-1.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	1.73%	-0.79%

Volatility

JELCX vs. BRUFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio (JELCX) is 1.87%, while Bruce Fund (BRUFX) has a volatility of 3.56%. This indicates that JELCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BRUFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JELCX	BRUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.87%	3.56%	-1.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.06%	8.50%	-4.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.23%	10.80%	-5.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.35%	10.58%	-4.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.56%	11.64%	-6.08%

JELCX vs. BRUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JELCX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than BRUFX's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

JELCX vs. BRUFX - Dividend Comparison

JELCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.69%, less than BRUFX's 5.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRUFX Bruce Fund	5.48%	6.35%	5.01%	6.46%	13.31%	9.25%	5.83%	2.03%	2.49%	4.11%	6.26%	4.63%
JELCX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Managed Volatility Conservative Portfolio	3.69%	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 BRUFX in my portfolio?

JELCX and BRUFX have a correlation of 0.47, 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 BRUFX?

BRUFX has higher volatility (3.56%) compared to JELCX (1.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JELCX dropped -33.80% vs BRUFX's -44.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.69), 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.