JHCP vs. SYSB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

JHCP (John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF) and SYSB (iShares Systematic Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. JHCP is actively managed, while SYSB is passively managed. Over the past year, JHCP returned 5.23% vs 5.08% for SYSB. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHCP charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for SYSB.

Performance

JHCP vs. SYSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (JHCP) and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHCP achieves a 0.61% return, which is significantly higher than SYSB's 0.43% return.

JHCP

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 0.61%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 5.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SYSB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.54%
• 1Y: 5.08%
• 3Y*: 6.83%
• 5Y*: 1.57%
• 10Y*: 2.28%

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

JHCP vs. SYSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
JHCP John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF	0.61%	7.59%	-1.05%
SYSB iShares Systematic Bond ETF	0.43%	8.32%	-0.02%

Correlation

The correlation between JHCP and SYSB is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2024	0.73

The correlation between JHCP and SYSB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JHCP vs. SYSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHCP

JHCP Risk / Return Rank: 37
JHCP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
JHCP Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
JHCP Omega Ratio Rank: 34
JHCP Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
JHCP Martin Ratio Rank: 36

SYSB

SYSB Risk / Return Rank: 38
SYSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SYSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SYSB Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SYSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
SYSB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

JHCP vs. SYSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (JHCP) and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB). 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.

	JHCP	SYSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	1.31	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	1.89	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.24	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	1.71	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.05	4.90	+0.16

JHCP vs. SYSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHCP Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is comparable to the SYSB Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHCP and SYSB, 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

JHCP vs. SYSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHCP drawdown since its inception was -3.06%, smaller than the maximum SYSB drawdown of -18.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHCP and SYSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHCP	SYSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.06%	-18.47%	+15.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-2.99%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.08%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.47%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-1.42%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.88%	-3.27%	+2.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.04%	1.04%	0.00%

Volatility

JHCP vs. SYSB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (JHCP) is 1.08%, while iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB) has a volatility of 1.23%. This indicates that JHCP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SYSB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHCP	SYSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.08%	1.23%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.04%	3.20%	-0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.24%	3.91%	+0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.85%	5.64%	-0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.85%	4.94%	-0.09%

JHCP vs. SYSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHCP has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than SYSB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHCP vs. SYSB - Dividend Comparison

JHCP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.64%, which matches SYSB's 4.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHCP John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF	4.64%	4.79%	0.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SYSB iShares Systematic Bond ETF	4.60%	4.78%	5.04%	4.44%	3.27%	1.92%	2.57%	3.27%	3.61%	2.74%	2.92%	2.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHCP and SYSB in my portfolio?

JHCP and SYSB have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHCP or SYSB?

SYSB has higher volatility (1.23%) compared to JHCP (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHCP dropped -3.06% vs SYSB's -18.47%.

Which ETF is better, JHCP or SYSB?

On 1-year performance, JHCP leads with 5.23% vs 5.08% for SYSB. On fees, SYSB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, JHCP has been the lower-risk option at 1.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHCP or SYSB?

Over the 1-year period, JHCP has performed better with a 5.23% return vs 5.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHCP or SYSB?

SYSB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for JHCP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JHCP or SYSB?

JHCP has the higher dividend yield at 4.64%, compared with 4.60% for SYSB.

What is the main difference between JHCP and SYSB?

They also come from different issuers: John Hancock and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for JHCP and 0.25% for SYSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SYSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 1.24), 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.