SMICX vs. AYBLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SMICX (Saratoga Moderately Conservative Balanced Allocation Portfolio) and AYBLX (Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 5 years, SMICX returned 6.57%/yr vs 9.27%/yr for AYBLX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMICX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AYBLX.

Performance

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Saratoga Moderately Conservative Balanced Allocation Portfolio (SMICX) and Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMICX achieves a 4.91% return, which is significantly lower than AYBLX's 12.96% return.

SMICX

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 1.67%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 3.96%
• 1Y: 12.03%
• 3Y*: 12.00%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: —

AYBLX

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 12.96%
• 6M: 12.26%
• 1Y: 29.79%
• 3Y*: 17.17%
• 5Y*: 9.27%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

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

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMICX Saratoga Moderately Conservative Balanced Allocation Portfolio	4.91%	12.07%	11.02%	12.83%	-9.82%	11.85%	9.22%	16.62%	-7.61%	0.00%
AYBLX Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund	12.96%	19.80%	9.64%	15.41%	-14.39%	15.48%	12.92%	22.22%	-4.43%	-0.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SMICX and AYBLX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2017	0.92

The correlation between SMICX and AYBLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMICX vs. AYBLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMICX

SMICX Risk / Return Rank: 36
SMICX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SMICX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
SMICX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SMICX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SMICX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

AYBLX

AYBLX Risk / Return Rank: 94
AYBLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
AYBLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
AYBLX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AYBLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
AYBLX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Saratoga Moderately Conservative Balanced Allocation Portfolio (SMICX) and Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX). 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.

	SMICX	AYBLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	3.13	-1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	4.40	-2.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.57	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	4.87	-2.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.21	22.57	-14.37

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMICX Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is lower than the AYBLX Sharpe Ratio of 3.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMICX and AYBLX, 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

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMICX drawdown since its inception was -22.85%, smaller than the maximum AYBLX drawdown of -36.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMICX and AYBLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMICX	AYBLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.85%	-36.28%	+13.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.64%	-6.41%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.42%	-13.39%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.24%	-20.26%	+6.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-1.42%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.37%	-3.78%	+0.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.58%	1.38%	+0.20%

Volatility

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Volatility Comparison

Saratoga Moderately Conservative Balanced Allocation Portfolio (SMICX) and Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund (AYBLX) have volatilities of 3.62% and 3.76%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMICX	AYBLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.62%	3.76%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.31%	7.89%	-0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.07%	9.98%	-0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.95%	11.14%	-1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.14%	11.33%	-0.19%

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMICX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than AYBLX's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMICX vs. AYBLX - Dividend Comparison

SMICX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.62%, more than AYBLX's 3.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AYBLX Pioneer Balanced ESG Fund	3.27%	3.58%	2.59%	1.76%	3.23%	8.61%	4.12%	6.03%	9.97%	9.42%	2.63%	4.14%
SMICX Saratoga Moderately Conservative Balanced Allocation Portfolio	10.62%	11.14%	4.00%	0.87%	7.81%	11.59%	1.39%	3.45%	2.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMICX and AYBLX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SMICX and AYBLX 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, SMICX or AYBLX?

AYBLX has higher volatility (3.76%) compared to SMICX (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMICX dropped -22.85% vs AYBLX's -36.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AYBLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.13 vs 1.44), 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.