JESVX vs. NSDVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JESVX (John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust) and NSDVX (North Star Dividend Fund) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, JESVX returned 5.64%/yr vs 3.62%/yr for NSDVX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JESVX charges 1.04%/yr vs 1.37%/yr for NSDVX.

Performance

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust (JESVX) and North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JESVX achieves a 18.86% return, which is significantly higher than NSDVX's 15.13% return.

JESVX

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 5.94%
• YTD: 18.86%
• 6M: 18.86%
• 1Y: 27.26%
• 3Y*: 12.05%
• 5Y*: 5.64%
• 10Y*: —

NSDVX

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 15.13%
• 6M: 14.11%
• 1Y: 20.82%
• 3Y*: 11.37%
• 5Y*: 3.62%
• 10Y*: 7.17%

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

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JESVX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust	18.86%	0.13%	5.97%	14.02%	-9.84%	26.18%	-6.96%	26.52%	-12.98%	-3.88%
NSDVX North Star Dividend Fund	15.13%	-1.31%	9.25%	8.06%	-6.36%	16.16%	6.51%	16.13%	-12.35%	10.91%

Correlation

The correlation between JESVX and NSDVX is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2017	0.81

Over the past year, the correlation between JESVX and NSDVX has dropped to 0.45 - well below their long-term average of 0.81, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

JESVX vs. NSDVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JESVX

JESVX Risk / Return Rank: 54
JESVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
JESVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
JESVX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
JESVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
JESVX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

NSDVX

NSDVX Risk / Return Rank: 28
NSDVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
NSDVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
NSDVX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
NSDVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
NSDVX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust (JESVX) and North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX). 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.

	JESVX	NSDVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.51	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	2.26	+0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.27	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.69	2.13	+1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.93	6.22	+5.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JESVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the NSDVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JESVX and NSDVX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	JESVX	NSDVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.51	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.23	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	0.47	-0.24

Drawdowns

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JESVX drawdown since its inception was -46.09%, which is greater than NSDVX's maximum drawdown of -38.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JESVX and NSDVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JESVX	NSDVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.09%	-38.64%	-7.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.17%	-10.48%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.55%	-16.41%	-10.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.55%	-22.58%	-3.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-1.16%	+1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.08%	-6.55%	-2.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.27%	3.57%	+0.70%

Volatility

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust (JESVX) has a higher volatility of 5.86% compared to North Star Dividend Fund (NSDVX) at 3.51%. This indicates that JESVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NSDVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JESVX	NSDVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.86%	3.51%	+2.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.51%	9.39%	+5.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.37%	14.72%	+4.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.83%	16.07%	+4.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.34%	17.69%	+5.65%

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JESVX has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is lower than NSDVX's 1.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

JESVX vs. NSDVX - Dividend Comparison

JESVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.86%, more than NSDVX's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JESVX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust	9.86%	11.72%	6.53%	9.41%	21.62%	1.33%	12.54%	7.49%	16.31%	0.76%	0.00%	0.00%
NSDVX North Star Dividend Fund	2.90%	3.45%	7.00%	2.52%	6.57%	3.31%	1.52%	2.64%	6.87%	2.48%	4.67%	3.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JESVX and NSDVX in my portfolio?

JESVX and NSDVX have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JESVX or NSDVX?

JESVX has higher volatility (5.86%) compared to NSDVX (3.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JESVX dropped -46.09% vs NSDVX's -38.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JESVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.51), 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.