HPF vs VOO
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HPF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.82% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $355M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.77% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 169 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.19% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.29% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.79% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2002 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HPF vs VOO Performance
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (HPF) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HPF returned +8.29% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, HPF is up 4.19% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, HPF compounded at +10.04% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.79% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +0.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HPF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -74.3% for HPF and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HPF charges 1.82% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $182 vs $3 annually, a gap of $179 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HPF currently yields 9.77% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HPF and VOO share 17 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HPF or VOO?
HPF has an expense ratio of 1.82% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $179 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HPF or VOO?
Over the past year HPF returned +8.29% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HPF annualized +0.10% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HPF or VOO?
HPF has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HPF -74.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HPF and VOO?
HPF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HPF and VOO?
HPF and VOO share 17 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HPF or VOO?
HPF yields 9.77% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HPF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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