JHSC vs SPY
JHSC vs SPY
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. JHSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JHSC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $726M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 492 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.12% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.63% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.16% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JHSC vs SPY Performance
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) 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 JHSC returned +25.63% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, JHSC is up 16.12% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, JHSC compounded at +13.59% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.16% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JHSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JHSC charges 0.42% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $9 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JHSC currently yields 1.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JHSC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 988 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 SPY?
JHSC has an expense ratio of 0.42% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JHSC or SPY?
Over the past year JHSC returned +25.63% vs +22.80% for SPY, so JHSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), JHSC annualized +8.75% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JHSC or SPY?
JHSC has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JHSC -42.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JHSC and SPY?
JHSC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JHSC and SPY?
JHSC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 988 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JHSC or SPY?
JHSC yields 1.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JHSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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