HEQ vs VYM
John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. HEQ offers more diversification with 640 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $146M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 640 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.83% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.73% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.53% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.21% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 26, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HEQ vs VYM Performance
John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (HEQ) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HEQ returned +21.73% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, HEQ is up 14.83% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, HEQ compounded at +13.53% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.21% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -0.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HEQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -59.7% for HEQ and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEQ charges 1.16% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $4 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEQ currently yields 7.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HEQ and VYM share 77 holdings out of 949 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEQ or VYM?
HEQ has an expense ratio of 1.16% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEQ or VYM?
Over the past year HEQ returned +21.73% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HEQ annualized -0.05% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEQ or VYM?
HEQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HEQ -59.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HEQ and VYM?
HEQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HEQ and VYM?
HEQ and VYM share 77 common holdings with a 19.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 949 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEQ or VYM?
HEQ yields 7.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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