JHTFX vs. SVBAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JHTFX (John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund) and SVBAX (John Hancock Balanced Fund) are both mutual funds - JHTFX is a High Yield Muni fund managed by John Hancock, while SVBAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by John Hancock. Over the past 10 years, JHTFX returned 2.36%/yr vs 10.14%/yr for SVBAX. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JHTFX charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for SVBAX.

Performance

JHTFX vs. SVBAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHTFX achieves a 3.21% return, which is significantly lower than SVBAX's 10.51% return. Over the past 10 years, JHTFX has underperformed SVBAX with an annualized return of 2.36%, while SVBAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.14% annualized return.

JHTFX

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 3.96%
• 1Y: 7.63%
• 3Y*: 5.41%
• 5Y*: 0.40%
• 10Y*: 2.36%

SVBAX

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 2.21%
• YTD: 10.51%
• 6M: 10.51%
• 1Y: 23.58%
• 3Y*: 16.02%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

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

JHTFX vs. SVBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JHTFX John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund	3.21%	3.07%	6.57%	6.84%	-16.77%	5.69%	4.65%	9.50%	0.61%	6.83%
SVBAX John Hancock Balanced Fund	10.51%	15.69%	13.31%	18.22%	-15.79%	14.49%	15.97%	21.28%	-5.02%	13.40%

Correlation

The correlation between JHTFX and SVBAX is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 1993	0.05

Over the past year, JHTFX and SVBAX have become more correlated (0.28) than their long-term average of 0.05, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

JHTFX vs. SVBAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHTFX

JHTFX Risk / Return Rank: 55
JHTFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
JHTFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
JHTFX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
JHTFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
JHTFX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

SVBAX

SVBAX Risk / Return Rank: 88
SVBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
SVBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
SVBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
SVBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SVBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. SVBAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (JHTFX) and John Hancock Balanced Fund (SVBAX). 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	SVBAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.68	-0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.83	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.50	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	4.19	-1.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.69	20.06	-12.37

JHTFX vs. SVBAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHTFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the SVBAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHTFX and SVBAX, 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. SVBAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHTFX drawdown since its inception was -22.40%, smaller than the maximum SVBAX drawdown of -40.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHTFX and SVBAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHTFX	SVBAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.40%	-40.81%	+18.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.20%	-5.57%	+2.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.09%	-12.06%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.40%	-20.53%	-1.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.40%	-21.00%	-1.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.06%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.90%	-5.23%	+2.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.99%	1.16%	-0.17%

Volatility

JHTFX vs. SVBAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock High Yield Municipal Bond Fund (JHTFX) is 1.01%, while John Hancock Balanced Fund (SVBAX) has a volatility of 3.50%. This indicates that JHTFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SVBAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHTFX	SVBAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.01%	3.50%	-2.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.85%	7.05%	-4.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.91%	8.69%	-4.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.89%	10.86%	-4.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.57%	10.83%	-5.26%

JHTFX vs. SVBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHTFX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than SVBAX's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHTFX vs. SVBAX - Dividend Comparison

JHTFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.05%, less than SVBAX's 11.30% 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%
SVBAX John Hancock Balanced Fund	11.30%	12.45%	3.72%	1.48%	1.60%	2.73%	1.60%	2.19%	8.06%	3.51%	1.70%	4.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHTFX and SVBAX in my portfolio?

JHTFX and SVBAX have a correlation of 0.28, 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 SVBAX?

SVBAX has higher volatility (3.50%) compared to JHTFX (1.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHTFX dropped -22.40% vs SVBAX's -40.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 1.96), 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.