JHS vs VXUS
JHS vs VXUS
John Hancock Income Securities Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.66% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $144M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.09% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 881 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -4.11% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.79% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.56% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.4% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 1973 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JHS vs VXUS Performance
John Hancock Income Securities Trust (JHS) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JHS returned +0.79% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, JHS is down 4.11% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, JHS compounded at +5.39% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.56% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs -0.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHS charges 1.66% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $166 vs $5 annually, a gap of $161 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHS currently yields 5.09% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JHS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8378 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 VXUS?
JHS has an expense ratio of 1.66% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $161 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHS or VXUS?
Over the past year JHS returned +0.79% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JHS annualized -0.26% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 10.4% for JHS. Worst drawdown: JHS -50.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JHS and VXUS?
JHS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHS and VXUS?
JHS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8378 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHS or VXUS?
JHS yields 5.09% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so JHS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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