JESGX vs. DMCRX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

JESGX (John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Stock Trust) and DMCRX (Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, JESGX returned 3.62%/yr vs 11.81%/yr for DMCRX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JESGX charges 1.12%/yr vs 1.38%/yr for DMCRX.

Performance

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Stock Trust (JESGX) and Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund (DMCRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JESGX achieves a 14.58% return, which is significantly lower than DMCRX's 23.89% return.

JESGX

• 1D: -1.18%
• 1M: 2.81%
• 6M: 9.36%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 1Y: 29.08%
• 3Y*: 14.00%
• 5Y*: 3.62%
• 10Y*: —

DMCRX

• 1D: -2.79%
• 1M: -0.05%
• 6M: 13.36%
• YTD: 23.89%
• 1Y: 61.59%
• 3Y*: 27.13%
• 5Y*: 11.81%
• 10Y*: 21.48%

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

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JESGX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Stock Trust	14.58%	12.66%	11.64%	16.10%	-30.38%	1.18%	51.23%	37.96%	-5.17%	22.94%
DMCRX Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund	23.89%	31.17%	30.58%	11.47%	-33.54%	22.23%	86.43%	34.03%	2.52%	23.86%

Correlation

The correlation between JESGX and DMCRX is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.89

The correlation between JESGX and DMCRX shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

JESGX vs. DMCRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JESGX

JESGX Risk / Return Rank: 58
JESGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
JESGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
JESGX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
JESGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
JESGX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

DMCRX

DMCRX Risk / Return Rank: 80
DMCRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DMCRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DMCRX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
DMCRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DMCRX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Stock Trust (JESGX) and Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund (DMCRX). 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.

	JESGX	DMCRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.19	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	2.69	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.34	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	4.25	-1.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.29	14.48	-5.18

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JESGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the DMCRX Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JESGX and DMCRX, 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

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JESGX drawdown since its inception was -42.87%, smaller than the maximum DMCRX drawdown of -46.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JESGX and DMCRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JESGX	DMCRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.87%	-46.68%	+3.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.84%	-15.46%	+1.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.97%	-34.92%	+7.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.18%	-46.68%	+5.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.11%	-7.54%	+4.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.68%	-14.73%	+0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	4.52%	-1.03%

Volatility

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Stock Trust (JESGX) is 5.39%, while Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund (DMCRX) has a volatility of 8.50%. This indicates that JESGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DMCRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JESGX	DMCRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.39%	8.50%	-3.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.92%	23.18%	-8.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.82%	30.02%	-10.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.04%	28.73%	-4.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.37%	28.04%	-3.67%

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JESGX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is lower than DMCRX's 1.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

JESGX vs. DMCRX - Dividend Comparison

JESGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than DMCRX's 11.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DMCRX Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund	11.07%	13.72%	3.86%	0.87%	8.20%	48.23%	19.79%	14.70%	33.22%	8.91%	0.00%	4.20%
JESGX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Stock Trust	0.06%	0.07%	0.00%	0.00%	41.46%	17.95%	10.63%	37.80%	7.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JESGX and DMCRX in my portfolio?

JESGX and DMCRX have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JESGX or DMCRX?

DMCRX has higher volatility (8.50%) compared to JESGX (5.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JESGX dropped -42.87% vs DMCRX's -46.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DMCRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.72), 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.