JHTFX vs. SPHIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

JHTFX (John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund) and SPHIX (Fidelity High Income Fund) are both mutual funds - JHTFX is a High Yield Muni fund managed by John Hancock, while SPHIX is a High Yield Bonds fund managed by Fidelity. Over the past 10 years, JHTFX returned 2.30%/yr vs 5.33%/yr for SPHIX. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JHTFX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for SPHIX.

Performance

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (JHTFX) and Fidelity High Income Fund (SPHIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHTFX achieves a 3.06% return, which is significantly lower than SPHIX's 3.45% return. Over the past 10 years, JHTFX has underperformed SPHIX with an annualized return of 2.30%, while SPHIX has yielded a comparatively higher 5.33% annualized return.

JHTFX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 2.38%
• YTD: 3.06%
• 6M: 3.80%
• 1Y: 7.31%
• 3Y*: 5.15%
• 5Y*: 0.37%
• 10Y*: 2.30%

SPHIX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 3.45%
• 6M: 4.21%
• 1Y: 9.76%
• 3Y*: 10.17%
• 5Y*: 4.19%
• 10Y*: 5.33%

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

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JHTFX John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund	3.06%	3.07%	6.57%	6.84%	-16.77%	5.69%	4.65%	9.50%	0.61%	6.83%
SPHIX Fidelity High Income Fund	3.45%	9.85%	9.57%	10.99%	-13.08%	3.55%	2.47%	14.27%	-2.39%	8.60%

Correlation

The correlation between JHTFX and SPHIX is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 1993	0.19

Over the past year, JHTFX and SPHIX have become more correlated (0.41) than their long-term average of 0.19, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

JHTFX vs. SPHIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHTFX

JHTFX Risk / Return Rank: 53
JHTFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
JHTFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
JHTFX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
JHTFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
JHTFX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

SPHIX

SPHIX Risk / Return Rank: 94
SPHIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
SPHIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
SPHIX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SPHIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SPHIX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (JHTFX) and Fidelity High Income Fund (SPHIX). 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.

	JHTFX	SPHIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.95	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	5.02	-1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.68	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	4.26	-1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.53	21.27	-13.74

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHTFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is lower than the SPHIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHTFX and SPHIX, 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

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHTFX drawdown since its inception was -22.40%, smaller than the maximum SPHIX drawdown of -31.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHTFX and SPHIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHTFX	SPHIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.40%	-31.36%	+8.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.20%	-2.33%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.09%	-4.15%	-4.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.40%	-16.46%	-5.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.40%	-22.44%	+0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.24%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.90%	-3.47%	+0.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.99%	0.47%	+0.52%

Volatility

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (JHTFX) has a higher volatility of 1.04% compared to Fidelity High Income Fund (SPHIX) at 0.88%. This indicates that JHTFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPHIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHTFX	SPHIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	0.88%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.86%	2.63%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.92%	3.37%	+0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.89%	5.31%	+0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.58%	5.78%	-0.20%

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHTFX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SPHIX's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHTFX vs. SPHIX - Dividend Comparison

JHTFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.05%, less than SPHIX's 6.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHTFX John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund	5.05%	6.24%	4.03%	3.29%	3.48%	3.44%	3.76%	6.05%	4.45%	4.55%	4.43%	4.67%
SPHIX Fidelity High Income Fund	6.38%	6.43%	6.10%	5.41%	3.91%	4.07%	4.71%	5.10%	6.02%	5.40%	6.07%	5.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHTFX and SPHIX in my portfolio?

JHTFX and SPHIX have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHTFX or SPHIX?

JHTFX has higher volatility (1.04%) compared to SPHIX (0.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHTFX dropped -22.40% vs SPHIX's -31.36%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPHIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.92), 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.