JHEM vs. AVEM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

JHEM (John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) and AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. JHEM is passively managed, while AVEM is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, JHEM returned 7.60%/yr vs 9.25%/yr for AVEM. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. JHEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for AVEM.

Performance

JHEM vs. AVEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with JHEM having a 16.45% return and AVEM slightly higher at 16.99%.

JHEM

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: -3.65%
• 6M: 9.22%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 1Y: 30.53%
• 3Y*: 16.69%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 7.98%

AVEM

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: -5.16%
• 6M: 8.43%
• YTD: 16.99%
• 1Y: 29.73%
• 3Y*: 19.44%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.59%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	$165.94M	$177.37M	$179.39M
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	$3.20M	$1.93M	$1.54M

JHEM vs. AVEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	16.45%	30.49%	4.58%	12.94%	-17.90%	2.10%	11.50%	9.47%
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	16.99%	34.48%	7.49%	15.30%	-18.15%	5.16%	14.39%	10.40%

Correlation

The correlation between JHEM and AVEM is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 19, 2019	0.97

The correlation between JHEM and AVEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHEM vs. AVEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHEM	AVEM
Technology	18.0%	41.9%
Financial Services	11.0%	18.9%
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	7.3%
Communication Services	3.8%	4.9%
Basic Materials	1.9%	6.4%
Industrials	1.5%	7.9%
Energy	1.1%	3.9%
Healthcare	1.1%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	2.7%
Real Estate	0.3%	1.4%
Utilities	0.2%	2.2%

Return for Risk

JHEM vs. AVEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHEM

JHEM Risk / Return Rank: 62
JHEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
JHEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
JHEM Omega Ratio Rank: 61
JHEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
JHEM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 57
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 56
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
AVEM Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

JHEM vs. AVEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM). 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.

	JHEM	AVEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.28	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	1.76	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	2.27	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.84	7.12	+0.72

JHEM vs. AVEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the AVEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHEM and AVEM, 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

JHEM vs. AVEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHEM drawdown since its inception was -34.99%, roughly equal to the maximum AVEM drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHEM and AVEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHEM	AVEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.99%	-36.05%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.34%	-13.13%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.16%	-18.02%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.17%	-31.81%	+1.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.70%	-10.63%	+1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-10.01%	+0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.91%	4.19%	-0.28%

Volatility

JHEM vs. AVEM - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) have volatilities of 7.85% and 8.07%, 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

	JHEM	AVEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.85%	8.07%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.37%	21.34%	-0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.38%	23.45%	-1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.39%	19.23%	-0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.92%	21.00%	-0.08%

JHEM vs. AVEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than AVEM's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHEM vs. AVEM - Dividend Comparison

JHEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.86%, less than AVEM's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.96%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%	0.00%
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	1.86%	2.39%	2.93%	2.87%	2.84%	2.71%	1.67%	2.37%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHEM and AVEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, JHEM and AVEM 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, JHEM or AVEM?

AVEM has higher volatility (8.07%) compared to JHEM (7.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHEM dropped -34.99% vs AVEM's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, JHEM or AVEM?

On 5-year performance, AVEM leads with 9.25% vs 7.60% for JHEM. On fees, AVEM is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, JHEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHEM or AVEM?

Over the 5-year period, AVEM has performed better with a 9.25% return vs 7.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHEM or AVEM?

AVEM is cheaper with a 0.33% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for JHEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JHEM or AVEM?

AVEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.86% for JHEM.

What is the main difference between JHEM and AVEM?

They also come from different issuers: Manulife and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for JHEM and 0.33% for AVEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.28), 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.