HPF vs VXUS
HPF vs VXUS
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HPF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.82% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $355M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.77% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 169 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.13% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.11% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.03% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.75% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2002 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HPF vs VXUS Performance
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (HPF) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HPF returned +8.11% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HPF is up 4.13% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, HPF compounded at +10.03% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.75% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HPF charges 1.82% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $182 vs $5 annually, a gap of $177 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HPF currently yields 9.77% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HPF and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7911 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HPF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.93% | 0.05% | 0.88% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HPF or VXUS?
HPF has an expense ratio of 1.82% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $177 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HPF or VXUS?
Over the past year HPF returned +8.11% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HPF annualized +0.10% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HPF or VXUS?
HPF has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HPF -74.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HPF and VXUS?
HPF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HPF and VXUS?
HPF and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HPF or VXUS?
HPF yields 9.77% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HPF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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