JEMMX vs. TEQLX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

JEMMX (John Hancock Emerging Markets Equity Fund) and TEQLX (TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, JEMMX returned 8.48%/yr vs 10.25%/yr for TEQLX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. JEMMX charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for TEQLX.

Performance

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Emerging Markets Equity Fund (JEMMX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with JEMMX having a 25.20% return and TEQLX slightly lower at 24.07%. Over the past 10 years, JEMMX has underperformed TEQLX with an annualized return of 8.48%, while TEQLX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.25% annualized return.

JEMMX

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 25.20%
• 6M: 25.77%
• 1Y: 38.36%
• 3Y*: 17.38%
• 5Y*: 0.63%
• 10Y*: 8.48%

TEQLX

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: -0.51%
• YTD: 24.07%
• 6M: 25.05%
• 1Y: 44.28%
• 3Y*: 22.90%
• 5Y*: 6.78%
• 10Y*: 10.25%

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

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JEMMX John Hancock Emerging Markets Equity Fund	25.20%	20.07%	5.42%	4.49%	-27.34%	-7.48%	32.74%	26.42%	-17.01%	41.10%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	24.07%	34.10%	6.71%	9.23%	-20.22%	-3.07%	17.67%	18.59%	-14.60%	37.47%

Correlation

The correlation between JEMMX and TEQLX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.96

The correlation between JEMMX and TEQLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JEMMX vs. TEQLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JEMMX

JEMMX Risk / Return Rank: 60
JEMMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
JEMMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
JEMMX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
JEMMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
JEMMX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

TEQLX

TEQLX Risk / Return Rank: 76
TEQLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
TEQLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
TEQLX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
TEQLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
TEQLX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Emerging Markets Equity Fund (JEMMX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). 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.

	JEMMX	TEQLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.16	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.70	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.42	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	3.37	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.51	12.56	-2.05

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JEMMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the TEQLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JEMMX and TEQLX, 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

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JEMMX drawdown since its inception was -49.23%, which is greater than TEQLX's maximum drawdown of -39.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JEMMX and TEQLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JEMMX	TEQLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.23%	-39.33%	-9.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.91%	-13.32%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.00%	-15.97%	-3.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.65%	-36.96%	-8.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.23%	-39.33%	-9.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.64%	-4.96%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.51%	-14.56%	-4.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	3.56%	+0.18%

Volatility

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Emerging Markets Equity Fund (JEMMX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX) have volatilities of 12.39% and 12.11%, 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

	JEMMX	TEQLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.39%	12.11%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.40%	18.95%	+1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.34%	20.94%	+1.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.46%	17.65%	+1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.50%	17.92%	+1.58%

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JEMMX has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than TEQLX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

JEMMX vs. TEQLX - Dividend Comparison

JEMMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.62%, less than TEQLX's 2.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JEMMX John Hancock Emerging Markets Equity Fund	1.62%	2.03%	0.42%	1.56%	1.21%	11.32%	4.02%	2.25%	7.89%	1.06%	0.43%	0.00%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	2.28%	2.83%	2.93%	3.08%	2.51%	2.27%	2.04%	2.77%	2.43%	1.98%	1.88%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JEMMX and TEQLX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, JEMMX and TEQLX 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, JEMMX or TEQLX?

JEMMX has higher volatility (12.39%) compared to TEQLX (12.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JEMMX dropped -49.23% vs TEQLX's -39.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TEQLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 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.