HEFA vs. JHID

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

HEFA (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF) and JHID (John Hancock International High Dividend ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. HEFA is passively managed, while JHID is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HEFA returned 19.43%/yr vs 19.89%/yr for JHID. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HEFA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for JHID.

Performance

HEFA vs. JHID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) 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, HEFA achieves a 13.41% return, which is significantly lower than JHID's 14.13% return.

HEFA

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 1.83%
• 6M: 9.23%
• YTD: 13.41%
• 1Y: 28.16%
• 3Y*: 19.43%
• 5Y*: 14.14%
• 10Y*: 12.77%

JHID

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: -0.27%
• 6M: 11.63%
• YTD: 14.13%
• 1Y: 30.06%
• 3Y*: 19.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HEFA vs. JHID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	13.41%	24.58%	13.71%	20.33%	-0.06%
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	14.13%	41.47%	3.62%	19.47%	-0.42%

Correlation

The correlation between HEFA and JHID is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2022	0.79

The correlation between HEFA and JHID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

HEFA vs. JHID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEFA	JHID
Financial Services	24.8%	28.6%
Industrials	18.7%	15.7%
Technology	13.5%	9.6%
Healthcare	10.5%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	7.9%
Basic Materials	5.9%	6.6%
Utilities	3.7%	5.8%
Communication Services	3.7%	2.8%
Energy	3.3%	6.0%
Real Estate	1.6%	5.8%

Return for Risk

HEFA vs. JHID — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEFA

HEFA Risk / Return Rank: 82
HEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
HEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
HEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 85
HEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
HEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 81

JHID

JHID Risk / Return Rank: 87
JHID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
JHID Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
JHID Omega Ratio Rank: 87
JHID Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
JHID Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

HEFA vs. JHID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) 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.

	HEFA	JHID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.31	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	3.25	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.42	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	3.59	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.38	13.69	-1.31

HEFA vs. JHID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEFA Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the JHID Sharpe Ratio of 2.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEFA 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

HEFA vs. JHID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEFA drawdown since its inception was -32.39%, which is greater than JHID's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEFA and JHID.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEFA	JHID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.39%	-12.42%	-19.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.52%	-8.42%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.28%	-12.42%	-1.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.79%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.26%	-0.59%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.14%	-2.43%	-1.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	2.21%	+0.07%

Volatility

HEFA vs. JHID - Volatility Comparison

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) and John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID) have volatilities of 3.16% and 3.09%, 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

	HEFA	JHID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.16%	3.09%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.81%	11.08%	-0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.12%	13.06%	+0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	13.91%	-0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.66%	13.91%	+1.75%

HEFA vs. JHID - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEFA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than JHID's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEFA vs. JHID - Dividend Comparison

HEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.05%, more than JHID's 3.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	4.05%	4.40%	3.09%	3.02%	25.14%	3.06%	2.10%	7.56%	4.58%	2.55%	3.17%	3.54%
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	3.44%	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 HEFA and JHID in my portfolio?

HEFA and JHID have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEFA or JHID?

HEFA has higher volatility (3.16%) compared to JHID (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEFA dropped -32.39% vs JHID's -12.42%.

Which ETF is better, HEFA or JHID?

On 3-year performance, JHID leads with 19.89% vs 19.43% for HEFA. On fees, HEFA is cheaper at 0.35% 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, HEFA or JHID?

Over the 3-year period, JHID has performed better with a 19.89% return vs 19.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEFA or JHID?

HEFA is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for JHID.

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

HEFA has the higher dividend yield at 4.05%, compared with 3.44% for JHID.

What is the main difference between HEFA and JHID?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and John Hancock. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for HEFA and 0.46% for JHID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 2.16), 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.