JHML vs VXUS
John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, JHML or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. JHML led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHML | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.2B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 780 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +12.87% | +14.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.22% | +22.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.32% | +20.00%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.24%Best | +8.91% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,034Best | $15,323 |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 30, 2015 to Sep 11, 2026 (10.9 years).
JHML vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10.9 years both funds cover.
JHML vs VXUS Performance
John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) is an ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JHML returned +17.22% while VXUS returned +22.28%. Year to date, JHML is up 12.87% versus a gain of 14.48% for VXUS.
Over three years, JHML compounded at +19.32% per year against +20.00% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.24% and +8.91% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, JHML has the edge at +13.19% annualized vs +8.00%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JHML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.8% for VXUS. 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 -36.1% for JHML and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHML charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHML currently yields 0.94% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.9% of JHML's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 87.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
JHML and VXUS share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 49 days apart, JHML as of Aug 18, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
3 positions in common, counted across the 53 positions we hold weights for in JHML and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 780 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of JHML and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JHML or VXUS?
JHML has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $24 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, JHML or VXUS?
Over the past year JHML returned +17.22% vs +22.28% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), JHML annualized +13.19% vs +8.00% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, JHML or VXUS?
JHML has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JHML -36.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JHML and VXUS?
JHML and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between JHML and VXUS?
At least 2.9% of JHML's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 53 positions we hold weights for in JHML and 8,091 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHML or VXUS?
JHML yields 0.94% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than JHML?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. JHML led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.