DFAX vs. JHID

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and JHID (John Hancock International High Dividend ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAX returned 18.75%/yr vs 20.22%/yr for JHID. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for JHID.

Performance

DFAX vs. JHID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAX achieves a 13.78% return, which is significantly lower than JHID's 15.08% return.

DFAX

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: -2.09%
• 6M: 9.37%
• YTD: 13.78%
• 1Y: 28.58%
• 3Y*: 18.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JHID

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 0.25%
• 6M: 11.68%
• YTD: 15.08%
• 1Y: 32.72%
• 3Y*: 20.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DFAX vs. JHID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	13.78%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	0.56%
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	15.08%	41.47%	3.62%	19.47%	-0.42%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and JHID is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2022	0.91

The correlation between DFAX and JHID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. JHID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	JHID
Technology	19.1%	9.6%
Financial Services	17.7%	28.6%
Industrials	17.4%	15.7%
Basic Materials	10.6%	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	4.8%
Energy	6.1%	6.0%
Healthcare	5.8%	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	7.9%
Communication Services	4.3%	2.8%
Utilities	2.9%	5.8%
Real Estate	1.9%	5.8%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. JHID — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

JHID

JHID Risk / Return Rank: 89
JHID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
JHID Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
JHID Omega Ratio Rank: 90
JHID Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
JHID Martin Ratio Rank: 88

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DFAX vs. JHID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DFAX	JHID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.53	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	3.52	-1.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.45	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	3.90	-1.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.78	14.90	-5.12

DFAX vs. JHID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the JHID Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and JHID, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DFAX vs. JHID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, which is greater than JHID's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and JHID.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	JHID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-12.42%	-15.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-8.42%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-12.42%	-1.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.24%	0.00%	-2.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.57%	-2.43%	-4.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	2.20%	+0.73%

Volatility

DFAX vs. JHID - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) has a higher volatility of 5.19% compared to John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID) at 3.17%. This indicates that DFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than JHID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	JHID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.19%	3.17%	+2.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.42%	11.09%	+3.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.22%	13.08%	+3.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	13.91%	+2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.15%	13.91%	+2.24%

DFAX vs. JHID - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than JHID's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. JHID - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, less than JHID's 3.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.33%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	3.41%	3.13%	5.15%	5.23%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and JHID in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DFAX and JHID move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DFAX or JHID?

DFAX has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to JHID (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs JHID's -12.42%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or JHID?

On 3-year performance, JHID leads with 20.22% vs 18.75% for DFAX. On fees, DFAX is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, JHID has been the lower-risk option at 3.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or JHID?

Over the 3-year period, JHID has performed better with a 20.22% return vs 18.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or JHID?

DFAX is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for JHID.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAX or JHID?

JHID has the higher dividend yield at 3.41%, compared with 2.33% for DFAX.

What is the main difference between DFAX and JHID?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and John Hancock. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.46% for JHID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.77), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.