HPI vs VXUS
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HPI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $443M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.80% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 175 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.23% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.23% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.31% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.63% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2002 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HPI vs VXUS Performance
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (HPI) 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 HPI returned +9.23% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, HPI is up 3.23% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, HPI compounded at +11.31% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.63% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HPI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -75.0% for HPI 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
HPI charges 2.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $231 vs $5 annually, a gap of $226 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HPI currently yields 9.80% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HPI and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 7956 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HPI or VXUS?
HPI has an expense ratio of 2.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $226 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HPI or VXUS?
Over the past year HPI returned +9.23% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HPI annualized +0.15% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HPI or VXUS?
HPI has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HPI -75.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HPI and VXUS?
HPI 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 HPI and VXUS?
HPI and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7956 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HPI or VXUS?
HPI yields 9.80% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so HPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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