JHSC vs VTI
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. JHSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHSC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $745M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 492 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.93% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.56% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.45% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.33% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
JHSC vs VTI Performance
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JHSC returned +22.56% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, JHSC is up 15.93% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, JHSC compounded at +15.45% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.33% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, JHSC has the edge at +8.69% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JHSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -42.7% for JHSC 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHSC charges 0.42% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $3 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHSC currently yields 1.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JHSC and VTI share 373 holdings out of 2905 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JHSC or VTI?
JHSC has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHSC or VTI?
Over the past year JHSC returned +22.56% vs +22.35% for VTI, so JHSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), JHSC annualized +8.69% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHSC or VTI?
JHSC has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JHSC -42.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JHSC and VTI?
JHSC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between JHSC and VTI?
JHSC and VTI share 373 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHSC or VTI?
JHSC yields 1.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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