JHS vs SPY
JHS vs SPY
John Hancock Income Securities Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. JHS offers more diversification with 518 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.66% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $144M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 881 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -4.11% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.61% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.33% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.59% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 1973 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JHS vs SPY Performance
John Hancock Income Securities Trust (JHS) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JHS returned +0.61% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, JHS is down 4.11% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, JHS compounded at +5.33% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.59% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -0.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHS charges 1.66% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $166 vs $9 annually, a gap of $157 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHS currently yields 5.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JHS and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1020 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JHS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNP | 0.10% | 0.04% | 0.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JHS or SPY?
JHS has an expense ratio of 1.66% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $157 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHS or SPY?
Over the past year JHS returned +0.61% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), JHS annualized -0.26% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.4% for JHS. Worst drawdown: JHS -50.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JHS and SPY?
JHS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHS and SPY?
JHS and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1020 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHS or SPY?
JHS yields 5.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JHS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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