JHEM vs. JHSC

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

JHEM (John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) and JHSC (John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JHEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index, while JHSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JHEM returned 8.23%/yr vs 7.89%/yr for JHSC. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for JHSC.

Performance

JHEM vs. JHSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHEM achieves a 24.29% return, which is significantly higher than JHSC's 14.22% return.

JHEM

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: 6.02%
• YTD: 24.29%
• 6M: 28.87%
• 1Y: 45.01%
• 3Y*: 20.30%
• 5Y*: 8.23%
• 10Y*: —

JHSC

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 5.62%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 12.79%
• 1Y: 26.38%
• 3Y*: 14.43%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: —

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

JHEM vs. JHSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	24.29%	30.49%	4.58%	12.94%	-17.90%	2.10%	11.50%	17.68%	-7.63%
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	14.22%	6.88%	9.74%	20.77%	-14.65%	19.55%	11.60%	24.43%	-19.30%

Correlation

The correlation between JHEM and JHSC is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2018	0.61

The correlation between JHEM and JHSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHEM vs. JHSC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHEM	JHSC
Technology	33.9%	15.6%
Financial Services	20.1%	18.0%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	13.0%
Basic Materials	7.9%	5.1%
Industrials	7.6%	18.3%
Communication Services	6.8%	2.0%
Energy	4.4%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	3.1%
Healthcare	2.7%	8.0%
Utilities	2.6%	4.1%
Real Estate	0.6%	7.6%

Return for Risk

JHEM vs. JHSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHEM

JHEM Risk / Return Rank: 74
JHEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
JHEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
JHEM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
JHEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
JHEM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

JHSC

JHSC Risk / Return Rank: 53
JHSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
JHSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
JHSC Omega Ratio Rank: 46
JHSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
JHSC Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. JHSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) and John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC). 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	JHSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.63	+0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.41	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.28	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	2.75	+0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.62	9.55	+4.07

JHEM vs. JHSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is higher than the JHSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHEM and JHSC, 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. JHSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHEM drawdown since its inception was -34.99%, smaller than the maximum JHSC drawdown of -42.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHEM and JHSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHEM	JHSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.99%	-42.66%	+7.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.34%	-9.63%	-2.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.16%	-25.16%	+7.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.83%	-25.21%	-6.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.50%	-0.16%	-2.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.92%	-7.75%	-2.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	2.77%	+0.55%

Volatility

JHEM vs. JHSC - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) has a higher volatility of 10.21% compared to John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) at 4.17%. This indicates that JHEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than JHSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHEM	JHSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.21%	4.17%	+6.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.37%	11.22%	+7.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.49%	16.29%	+4.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.01%	20.18%	-2.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.78%	22.18%	-1.40%

JHEM vs. JHSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than JHSC's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHEM vs. JHSC - Dividend Comparison

JHEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.93%, more than JHSC's 0.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	1.93%	2.39%	2.93%	2.87%	2.84%	2.71%	1.67%	2.37%	0.21%
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	0.99%	1.13%	0.96%	0.98%	1.13%	1.08%	1.12%	1.14%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHEM and JHSC in my portfolio?

JHEM and JHSC have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHEM or JHSC?

JHEM has higher volatility (10.21%) compared to JHSC (4.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHEM dropped -34.99% vs JHSC's -42.66%.

Which ETF is better, JHEM or JHSC?

On 5-year performance, JHEM leads with 8.23% vs 7.89% for JHSC. On fees, JHSC is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, JHSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHEM or JHSC?

Over the 5-year period, JHEM has performed better with a 8.23% return vs 7.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHEM or JHSC?

JHSC is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for JHEM.

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

JHEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 0.99% for JHSC.

What is the main difference between JHEM and JHSC?

JHEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while JHSC is Small Cap Growth Equities. JHEM tracks John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index, while JHSC tracks John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for JHEM and 0.42% for JHSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.63), 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.