JHSC vs QQQ
JHSC vs QQQ
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. JHSC offers more diversification with 485 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHSC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $726M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 492 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.90% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.91% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.16% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.42% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JHSC vs QQQ Performance
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) 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 JHSC returned +26.91% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, JHSC is up 16.90% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, JHSC compounded at +14.16% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.42% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.83%. 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 20.2% for JHSC. 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 -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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHSC charges 0.42% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $18 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHSC currently yields 1.01% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
JHSC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 588 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, JHSC or QQQ?
JHSC has an expense ratio of 0.42% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHSC or QQQ?
Over the past year JHSC returned +26.91% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), JHSC annualized +8.83% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHSC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.2% for JHSC. Worst drawdown: JHSC -42.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JHSC and QQQ?
JHSC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHSC and QQQ?
JHSC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHSC or QQQ?
JHSC yields 1.01% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so JHSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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