JHS vs QQQ
JHS vs QQQ
John Hancock Income Securities Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. JHS offers more diversification with 518 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.66% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $144M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.09% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 881 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -4.11% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.61% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.33% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.59% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 1973 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JHS vs QQQ Performance
John Hancock Income Securities Trust (JHS) 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 JHS returned +0.61% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, JHS is down 4.11% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, JHS compounded at +5.33% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -2.59% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs -0.26%. 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 10.4% for JHS. 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 -50.7% for JHS 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHS charges 1.66% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $166 vs $18 annually, a gap of $148 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHS currently yields 5.09% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
JHS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 621 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, JHS or QQQ?
JHS has an expense ratio of 1.66% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $148 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHS or QQQ?
Over the past year JHS returned +0.61% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), JHS annualized -0.26% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.4% for JHS. Worst drawdown: JHS -50.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JHS and QQQ?
JHS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHS and QQQ?
JHS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 621 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHS or QQQ?
JHS yields 5.09% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so JHS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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