JHI vs SPY
John Hancock Investors Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $130M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.65% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 435 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.48% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.60% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.03% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 1971 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JHI vs SPY Performance
John Hancock Investors Trust (JHI) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JHI returned +3.60% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, JHI is up 1.48% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, JHI compounded at +10.24% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.03% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.0% for JHI. 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 -58.5% for JHI and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHI charges 2.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $235 vs $9 annually, a gap of $226 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHI currently yields 8.65% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JHI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 821 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, JHI or SPY?
JHI has an expense ratio of 2.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $226 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHI or SPY?
Over the past year JHI returned +3.60% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), JHI annualized -0.08% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for JHI. Worst drawdown: JHI -58.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JHI and SPY?
JHI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHI and SPY?
JHI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 821 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHI or SPY?
JHI yields 8.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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