JHCB vs VXUS
John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, JHCB or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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 | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $98M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.14% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 181 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -0.80% | +15.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.98% | +27.46%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.60% | +20.30%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.05% | +8.96%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8%Best | 14.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -22.6%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,975 | $15,358Best |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
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 3, 2026 (5.4 years).
JHCB vs VXUS 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 VXUS Performance
John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF (JHCB) is an ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JHCB returned +0.98% while VXUS returned +27.46%. Year to date, JHCB is down 0.80% versus a gain of 15.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, JHCB compounded at +5.60% per year against +20.30% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.05% and +8.96% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHCB charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHCB currently yields 5.14% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 160 holdings in JHCB and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 91.5% and 87.7% 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 VXUS 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 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 181 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of JHCB and VXUS 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 VXUS?
JHCB has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $24 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, JHCB or VXUS?
Over the past year JHCB returned +0.98% vs +27.46% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, JHCB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.8% for JHCB. Worst drawdown: JHCB -22.6% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both JHCB and VXUS?
JHCB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, 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 VXUS?
JHCB yields 5.14% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so JHCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than JHCB?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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.