JLFAX vs. PPLIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JLFAX (John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio) and PPLIX (Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, JLFAX returned 8.61%/yr vs 11.63%/yr for PPLIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. JLFAX charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PPLIX.

Performance

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio (JLFAX) and Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with JLFAX having a 8.62% return and PPLIX slightly higher at 8.79%. Over the past 10 years, JLFAX has underperformed PPLIX with an annualized return of 8.61%, while PPLIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.63% annualized return.

JLFAX

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 1.72%
• YTD: 8.62%
• 6M: 8.48%
• 1Y: 19.34%
• 3Y*: 12.78%
• 5Y*: 5.79%
• 10Y*: 8.61%

PPLIX

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 1.71%
• YTD: 8.79%
• 6M: 8.64%
• 1Y: 21.85%
• 3Y*: 17.96%
• 5Y*: 9.66%
• 10Y*: 11.63%

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

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JLFAX John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio	8.62%	14.71%	9.45%	14.13%	-18.52%	12.48%	17.06%	21.26%	-7.64%	15.11%
PPLIX Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund	8.79%	17.55%	19.12%	20.36%	-18.78%	17.04%	16.56%	26.67%	-8.74%	22.12%

Correlation

The correlation between JLFAX and PPLIX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2006	0.97

The correlation between JLFAX and PPLIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JLFAX vs. PPLIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JLFAX

JLFAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
JLFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
JLFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
JLFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
JLFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
JLFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

PPLIX

PPLIX Risk / Return Rank: 46
PPLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
PPLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PPLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
PPLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
PPLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio (JLFAX) and Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX). 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.

	JLFAX	PPLIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.76	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	2.47	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.32	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	2.51	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.46	11.05	+1.41

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JLFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the PPLIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JLFAX and PPLIX, 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

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JLFAX drawdown since its inception was -56.08%, roughly equal to the maximum PPLIX drawdown of -55.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JLFAX and PPLIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JLFAX	PPLIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.08%	-55.61%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.65%	-8.57%	+1.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.75%	-15.59%	+4.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.62%	-26.85%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.92%	-32.67%	+5.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.09%	-0.61%	+0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.34%	-8.29%	-0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.54%	1.95%	-0.41%

Volatility

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio (JLFAX) is 3.79%, while Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX) has a volatility of 4.79%. This indicates that JLFAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PPLIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JLFAX	PPLIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.79%	4.79%	-1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.56%	10.10%	-2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.95%	12.23%	-3.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.31%	15.58%	-4.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.29%	15.63%	-3.34%

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JLFAX has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than PPLIX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

JLFAX vs. PPLIX - Dividend Comparison

JLFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.76%, less than PPLIX's 9.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JLFAX John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio	7.76%	8.42%	2.62%	2.78%	17.43%	9.16%	5.75%	10.32%	12.22%	6.66%	6.77%	6.39%
PPLIX Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund	9.15%	9.95%	11.56%	4.41%	9.40%	8.04%	5.23%	7.16%	8.64%	5.12%	4.82%	6.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JLFAX and PPLIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, JLFAX and PPLIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, JLFAX or PPLIX?

PPLIX has higher volatility (4.79%) compared to JLFAX (3.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JLFAX dropped -56.08% vs PPLIX's -55.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JLFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.76), 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.