JLFAX vs. SVBAX

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

JLFAX (John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio) and SVBAX (John Hancock Balanced Fund) are both mutual funds - JLFAX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by John Hancock, while SVBAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by John Hancock. Over the past 10 years, JLFAX returned 8.48%/yr vs 10.02%/yr for SVBAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JLFAX charges 0.42%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for SVBAX.

Performance

JLFAX vs. SVBAX - 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 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, JLFAX achieves a 7.74% return, which is significantly lower than SVBAX's 10.31% return. Over the past 10 years, JLFAX has underperformed SVBAX with an annualized return of 8.48%, while SVBAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.02% annualized return.

JLFAX

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: -0.89%
• 6M: 7.74%
• YTD: 7.74%
• 1Y: 15.22%
• 3Y*: 12.52%
• 5Y*: 5.17%
• 10Y*: 8.48%

SVBAX

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -0.24%
• 6M: 10.31%
• YTD: 10.31%
• 1Y: 19.99%
• 3Y*: 15.86%
• 5Y*: 8.60%
• 10Y*: 10.02%

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

JLFAX vs. SVBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JLFAX John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio	7.74%	14.71%	9.45%	14.13%	-18.52%	12.48%	17.06%	21.26%	-7.64%	15.11%
SVBAX John Hancock Balanced Fund	10.31%	15.69%	13.31%	18.22%	-15.79%	14.49%	15.97%	21.28%	-5.02%	13.40%

Correlation

The correlation between JLFAX and SVBAX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2006	0.93

The correlation between JLFAX and SVBAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JLFAX vs. SVBAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JLFAX

JLFAX Risk / Return Rank: 58
JLFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
JLFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
JLFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
JLFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
JLFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

SVBAX

SVBAX Risk / Return Rank: 86
SVBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
SVBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
SVBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
SVBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SVBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. SVBAX - 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 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.

	JLFAX	SVBAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.32	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	3.32	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.42	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	3.64	-1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.01	17.35	-7.34

JLFAX vs. SVBAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JLFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the SVBAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JLFAX 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

JLFAX vs. SVBAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JLFAX drawdown since its inception was -56.08%, which is greater than SVBAX's maximum drawdown of -40.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JLFAX and SVBAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JLFAX	SVBAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.08%	-40.81%	-15.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.65%	-5.57%	-1.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.75%	-12.06%	+1.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.62%	-20.53%	-5.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.92%	-21.00%	-5.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-0.53%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.33%	-5.23%	-3.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.55%	1.17%	+0.38%

Volatility

JLFAX vs. SVBAX - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio (JLFAX) has a higher volatility of 3.92% compared to John Hancock Balanced Fund (SVBAX) at 3.61%. This indicates that JLFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SVBAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JLFAX	SVBAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.92%	3.61%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.69%	7.14%	+0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.03%	8.74%	+0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.33%	10.88%	+0.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.20%	10.79%	+1.41%

JLFAX vs. SVBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JLFAX has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than SVBAX's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

JLFAX vs. SVBAX - Dividend Comparison

JLFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.82%, less than SVBAX's 11.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JLFAX John Hancock Funds II Multimanager 2030 Lifetime Portfolio	7.82%	8.42%	2.62%	2.78%	17.43%	9.16%	5.75%	10.32%	12.22%	6.66%	6.77%	6.39%
SVBAX John Hancock Balanced Fund	11.36%	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 JLFAX and SVBAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, JLFAX and SVBAX 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 SVBAX?

JLFAX has higher volatility (3.92%) compared to SVBAX (3.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JLFAX dropped -56.08% vs SVBAX's -40.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.72), 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.