JHI vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. JHI offers more diversification with 317 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: JHI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJHIQQQWinner
Expense Ratio2.35%0.18%
AUM$130M$455.8B
Dividend Yield8.58%0.41%
Holdings435108
YTD Return+1.10%+12.48%
1Y Return+3.06%+22.35%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.19%+22.30%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.83%+14.24%
Volatility (annualized)13.0%30.6%
Max Drawdown-58.5%-83.0%
Fund FamilyJohn Hancock Investment ManagementInvesco (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJan 29, 1971Mar 10, 1999

JHI vs QQQ Performance

John Hancock Investors Trust (JHI) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year JHI returned +3.06% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, JHI is up 1.10% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.

Over three years, JHI compounded at +9.19% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.83% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs -0.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

JHI charges 2.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $235 vs $18 annually, a gap of $217 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHI currently yields 8.58% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

JHI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 420 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 QQQ?

JHI has an expense ratio of 2.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $217 per year of difference.

Which performed better, JHI or QQQ?

Over the past year JHI returned +3.06% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), JHI annualized -0.09% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, JHI or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.0% for JHI. Worst drawdown: JHI -58.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both JHI and QQQ?

JHI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between JHI and QQQ?

JHI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 420 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, JHI or QQQ?

JHI yields 8.58% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so JHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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