HDEF vs. JHID

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

HDEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF) and JHID (John Hancock International High Dividend ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. HDEF is passively managed, while JHID is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HDEF returned 16.97%/yr vs 19.96%/yr for JHID. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HDEF charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for JHID.

Performance

HDEF vs. JHID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) 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, HDEF achieves a 9.88% return, which is significantly lower than JHID's 14.58% return.

HDEF

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 3.44%
• 6M: 9.67%
• YTD: 9.88%
• 1Y: 19.83%
• 3Y*: 16.97%
• 5Y*: 11.47%
• 10Y*: 8.85%

JHID

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: -0.18%
• 6M: 10.79%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 1Y: 31.71%
• 3Y*: 19.96%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HDEF vs. JHID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
HDEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	9.88%	33.01%	2.85%	18.53%	0.69%
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	14.58%	41.47%	3.62%	19.47%	-0.42%

Correlation

The correlation between HDEF and JHID is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2022	0.87

The correlation between HDEF and JHID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

HDEF vs. JHID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HDEF	JHID
Financial Services	26.5%	28.6%
Consumer Defensive	19.5%	7.9%
Healthcare	17.0%	6.4%
Energy	11.4%	6.0%
Utilities	7.8%	5.8%
Industrials	7.7%	15.7%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	4.8%
Communication Services	3.9%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.8%	5.8%
Basic Materials	0.6%	6.6%
Technology	0.6%	9.6%

Return for Risk

HDEF vs. JHID — Risk / Return Rank

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

HDEF

HDEF Risk / Return Rank: 62
HDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
HDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
HDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 66
HDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
HDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 51

JHID

JHID Risk / Return Rank: 88
JHID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
JHID Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
JHID Omega Ratio Rank: 89
JHID Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
JHID Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

HDEF vs. JHID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) 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.

	HDEF	JHID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.45	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	3.42	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.44	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	3.78	-1.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.97	14.44	-7.46

HDEF vs. JHID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is lower than the JHID Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDEF 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

HDEF vs. JHID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDEF drawdown since its inception was -36.43%, which is greater than JHID's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDEF and JHID.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDEF	JHID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.43%	-12.42%	-24.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.03%	-8.42%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.15%	-12.42%	+1.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.63%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-0.44%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.04%	-2.43%	-2.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	2.20%	+0.65%

Volatility

HDEF vs. JHID - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) and John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID) have volatilities of 3.09% and 3.19%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HDEF	JHID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.09%	3.19%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.62%	11.09%	-1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.78%	13.03%	-1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.15%	13.90%	+0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.11%	13.90%	+2.21%

HDEF vs. JHID - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDEF has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than JHID's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

HDEF vs. JHID - Dividend Comparison

HDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.78%, more than JHID's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HDEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	3.78%	3.88%	4.53%	4.38%	5.41%	4.76%	3.93%	4.20%	3.55%	3.38%	9.53%	1.87%
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	3.42%	3.13%	5.15%	5.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDEF and JHID in my portfolio?

HDEF and JHID have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HDEF or JHID?

JHID has higher volatility (3.19%) compared to HDEF (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDEF dropped -36.43% vs JHID's -12.42%.

Which ETF is better, HDEF or JHID?

On 3-year performance, JHID leads with 19.96% vs 16.97% for HDEF. On fees, HDEF is cheaper at 0.20% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HDEF or JHID?

Over the 3-year period, JHID has performed better with a 19.96% return vs 16.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDEF or JHID?

HDEF is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for JHID.

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

HDEF has the higher dividend yield at 3.78%, compared with 3.42% for JHID.

What is the main difference between HDEF and JHID?

They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and John Hancock. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for HDEF and 0.46% for JHID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.69), 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.