JHLN vs SPY
John Hancock Global Senior Loan ETF 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 | JHLN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $640M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.90% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 196 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.08% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.31% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JHLN vs SPY Performance
John Hancock Global Senior Loan ETF (JHLN) 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 JHLN returned +3.31% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, JHLN is up 2.08% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.4% for JHLN. 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 -1.5% for JHLN 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHLN charges 0.62% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $9 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHLN currently yields 4.90% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JHLN and SPY share 0 holdings out of 628 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, JHLN or SPY?
JHLN has an expense ratio of 0.62% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHLN or SPY?
Over the past year JHLN returned +3.31% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), JHLN annualized +3.30% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHLN or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.4% for JHLN. Worst drawdown: JHLN -1.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JHLN and SPY?
JHLN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHLN and SPY?
JHLN and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHLN or SPY?
JHLN yields 4.90% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JHLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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