PZFVX vs. SVBAX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PZFVX (John Hancock Classic Value Fund) and SVBAX (John Hancock Balanced Fund) are both mutual funds - PZFVX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by John Hancock, while SVBAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by John Hancock. Over the past 10 years, PZFVX returned 9.75%/yr vs 9.79%/yr for SVBAX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PZFVX charges 1.12%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for SVBAX.

Performance

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Classic Value Fund (PZFVX) and John Hancock Balanced Fund (SVBAX). 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 PZFVX having a 10.32% return and SVBAX slightly higher at 10.35%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PZFVX having a 9.75% annualized return and SVBAX not far ahead at 9.79%.

PZFVX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: 7.01%
• YTD: 10.32%
• 1Y: 17.09%
• 3Y*: 11.22%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 9.75%

SVBAX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.16%
• 6M: 8.57%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 1Y: 20.31%
• 3Y*: 15.56%
• 5Y*: 8.64%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

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

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PZFVX John Hancock Classic Value Fund	10.32%	12.09%	4.48%	18.69%	-7.11%	28.27%	-2.70%	24.79%	-16.94%	16.47%
SVBAX John Hancock Balanced Fund	10.35%	15.69%	13.31%	18.22%	-15.79%	14.49%	15.97%	21.28%	-5.02%	13.40%

Correlation

The correlation between PZFVX and SVBAX is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1997	0.76

Over the past year, the correlation between PZFVX and SVBAX has dropped to 0.53 - well below their long-term average of 0.76, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PZFVX vs. SVBAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PZFVX

PZFVX Risk / Return Rank: 24
PZFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
PZFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
PZFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
PZFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
PZFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

SVBAX

SVBAX Risk / Return Rank: 88
SVBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
SVBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
SVBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
SVBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
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.

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Classic Value Fund (PZFVX) 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.

	PZFVX	SVBAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	2.33	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	3.33	-1.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.43	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	3.67	-2.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.46	17.40	-12.94

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PZFVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is lower than the SVBAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PZFVX 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

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PZFVX drawdown since its inception was -72.29%, which is greater than SVBAX's maximum drawdown of -40.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PZFVX and SVBAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PZFVX	SVBAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.29%	-40.81%	-31.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.92%	-5.57%	-6.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.35%	-12.06%	-28.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.35%	-20.53%	-19.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.82%	-21.00%	-30.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.12%	-0.50%	-16.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.61%	-5.22%	-9.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.03%	1.17%	+2.86%

Volatility

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Classic Value Fund (PZFVX) has a higher volatility of 4.23% compared to John Hancock Balanced Fund (SVBAX) at 2.57%. This indicates that PZFVX'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

	PZFVX	SVBAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	2.57%	+1.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.74%	7.16%	+4.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.97%	8.78%	+7.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.77%	10.89%	+22.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.44%	10.79%	+19.65%

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PZFVX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is higher than SVBAX's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PZFVX vs. SVBAX - Dividend Comparison

PZFVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 32.80%, more than SVBAX's 11.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PZFVX John Hancock Classic Value Fund	32.80%	36.18%	52.58%	6.33%	19.26%	0.58%	1.29%	4.56%	2.43%	0.95%	1.78%	1.41%
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 PZFVX and SVBAX in my portfolio?

PZFVX and SVBAX have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PZFVX or SVBAX?

PZFVX has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to SVBAX (2.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PZFVX dropped -72.29% vs SVBAX's -40.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.14), 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.