HPI vs VYM
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HPI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $443M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.80% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 175 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +4.02% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.35% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.09% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.18% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2002 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HPI vs VYM Performance
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (HPI) 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 HPI returned +10.35% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, HPI is up 4.02% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, HPI compounded at +11.09% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.18% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +0.18%. 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 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 -75.0% for HPI 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HPI charges 2.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $231 vs $4 annually, a gap of $227 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HPI currently yields 9.80% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HPI and VYM share 37 holdings out of 660 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HPI or VYM?
HPI has an expense ratio of 2.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $227 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HPI or VYM?
Over the past year HPI returned +10.35% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), HPI annualized +0.18% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HPI or VYM?
HPI has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HPI -75.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HPI and VYM?
HPI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HPI and VYM?
HPI and VYM share 37 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 660 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HPI or VYM?
HPI yields 9.80% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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