JHEM vs VTI
John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. JHEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $987M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.78% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 956 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.08% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.72% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.09% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.93% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
JHEM vs VTI Performance
John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JHEM returned +34.72% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, JHEM is up 17.08% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, JHEM compounded at +20.09% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.93% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +7.72%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHEM charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHEM currently yields 1.78% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JHEM and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3727 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JHEM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.06% | 0.04% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JHEM or VTI?
JHEM has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHEM or VTI?
Over the past year JHEM returned +34.72% vs +23.31% for VTI, so JHEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), JHEM annualized +7.72% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHEM or VTI?
JHEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JHEM -35.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JHEM and VTI?
JHEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHEM and VTI?
JHEM and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3727 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHEM or VTI?
JHEM yields 1.78% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JHEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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