JHCB vs VTI
John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, JHCB or VTI?
VTI has been ahead.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHCB | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $98M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.14% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 181 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -0.87% | +13.59%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.44% | +20.00%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.57% | +20.95%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.03% | +11.81%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8%Best | 15.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -22.6%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,015 | $17,474Best |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 31, 2021 to Sep 4, 2026 (5.4 years).
JHCB vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.4 years both funds cover.
JHCB vs VTI Performance
John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF (JHCB) is an ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JHCB returned +0.44% while VTI returned +20.00%. Year to date, JHCB is down 0.87% versus a gain of 13.59% for VTI.
Over three years, JHCB compounded at +5.57% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.03% and +11.81% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 7.8% for JHCB. 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 -22.6% for JHCB and -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHCB charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHCB currently yields 5.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 160 holdings in JHCB and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 91.5% and 92.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 49 days apart, JHCB as of Aug 18, 2026 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 160 positions we hold weights for in JHCB and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 181 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of JHCB and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JHCB or VTI?
JHCB has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $26 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, JHCB or VTI?
Over the past year JHCB returned +0.44% vs +20.00% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, JHCB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 7.8% for JHCB. Worst drawdown: JHCB -22.6% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both JHCB and VTI?
JHCB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHCB or VTI?
JHCB yields 5.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JHCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than JHCB?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.