JHLN vs VYM
John Hancock Global Senior Loan ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHLN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $640M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.90% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 196 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.08% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.31% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JHLN vs VYM Performance
John Hancock Global Senior Loan ETF (JHLN) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JHLN returned +3.31% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, JHLN is up 2.08% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHLN charges 0.62% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $4 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHLN currently yields 4.90% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JHLN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 727 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 VYM?
JHLN has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHLN or VYM?
Over the past year JHLN returned +3.31% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHLN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.4% for JHLN. Worst drawdown: JHLN -1.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JHLN and VYM?
JHLN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHLN and VYM?
JHLN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 727 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHLN or VYM?
JHLN yields 4.90% while VYM yields 2.24%, so JHLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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