JHEM vs SCHD
JHEM vs SCHD
John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. JHEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. JHEM offers more diversification with 945 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $987M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.78% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 956 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.59% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.86% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.65% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.08% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
JHEM vs SCHD Performance
John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year JHEM returned +34.86% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, JHEM is up 17.59% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, JHEM compounded at +19.65% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.08% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JHEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -35.0% for JHEM and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHEM charges 0.49% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $6 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHEM currently yields 1.78% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
JHEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 1045 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JHEM or SCHD?
JHEM has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHEM or SCHD?
Over the past year JHEM returned +34.86% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so JHEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), JHEM annualized +7.79% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHEM or SCHD?
JHEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: JHEM -35.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both JHEM and SCHD?
JHEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHEM and SCHD?
JHEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1045 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHEM or SCHD?
JHEM yields 1.78% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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