JHMD vs. JHEM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

JHMD (John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF) and JHEM (John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JHMD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Developed International Index, while JHEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JHMD returned 8.79%/yr vs 8.51%/yr for JHEM. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHMD charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for JHEM.

Performance

JHMD vs. JHEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHMD achieves a 8.43% return, which is significantly lower than JHEM's 27.48% return.

JHMD

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 8.43%
• 6M: 11.81%
• 1Y: 21.14%
• 3Y*: 16.94%
• 5Y*: 8.79%
• 10Y*: —

JHEM

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: 10.03%
• YTD: 27.48%
• 6M: 30.79%
• 1Y: 54.07%
• 3Y*: 22.81%
• 5Y*: 8.51%
• 10Y*: —

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

JHMD vs. JHEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JHMD John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF	8.43%	33.91%	1.78%	19.43%	-13.95%	11.83%	7.25%	19.83%	-12.91%
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	27.48%	30.49%	4.58%	12.94%	-17.90%	2.10%	11.50%	17.68%	-7.41%

Correlation

The correlation between JHMD and JHEM 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	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2018	0.75

The correlation between JHMD and JHEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHMD vs. JHEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHMD	JHEM
Financial Services	24.8%	21.9%
Industrials	19.9%	8.4%
Healthcare	8.9%	3.0%
Basic Materials	7.8%	8.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	11.7%
Consumer Defensive	7.4%	3.5%
Technology	7.0%	26.5%
Utilities	5.7%	2.9%
Communication Services	5.3%	7.5%
Energy	4.0%	5.3%
Real Estate	1.6%	0.6%

Return for Risk

JHMD vs. JHEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHMD

JHMD Risk / Return Rank: 41
JHMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
JHMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
JHMD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
JHMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
JHMD Martin Ratio Rank: 45

JHEM

JHEM Risk / Return Rank: 84
JHEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
JHEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
JHEM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
JHEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
JHEM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

JHMD vs. JHEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (JHMD) and John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM). 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.

	JHMD	JHEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	2.92	-1.47
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	3.78	-1.68
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.54	-0.27
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	4.43	-2.41
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.56	17.23	-9.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JHMD vs. JHEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is lower than the JHEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHMD and JHEM, 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

	JHMD	JHEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	2.92	-1.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.49	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.46	+0.09

Drawdowns

JHMD vs. JHEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHMD drawdown since its inception was -35.67%, roughly equal to the maximum JHEM drawdown of -34.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHMD and JHEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHMD	JHEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.67%	-34.99%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.23%	-12.34%	+1.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.38%	-18.16%	+4.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.38%	-32.11%	+2.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.98%	0.00%	-1.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.73%	-9.95%	+3.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	3.17%	-0.17%

Volatility

JHMD vs. JHEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (JHMD) is 5.19%, while John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) has a volatility of 8.00%. This indicates that JHMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JHEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHMD	JHEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.19%	8.00%	-2.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.04%	16.18%	-4.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.69%	18.64%	-3.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	17.61%	-1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	20.60%	-3.40%

JHMD vs. JHEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHMD has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than JHEM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHMD vs. JHEM - Dividend Comparison

JHMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.94%, more than JHEM's 1.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	1.88%	2.39%	2.93%	2.87%	2.84%	2.71%	1.67%	2.37%	0.21%	0.00%
JHMD John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF	2.94%	3.19%	3.55%	3.01%	2.85%	3.22%	1.89%	3.19%	2.09%	2.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHMD and JHEM in my portfolio?

JHMD and JHEM 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, JHMD or JHEM?

JHEM has higher volatility (8.00%) compared to JHMD (5.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHMD dropped -35.67% vs JHEM's -34.99%.

Which ETF is better, JHMD or JHEM?

On 5-year performance, JHMD leads with 8.79% vs 8.51% for JHEM. On fees, JHMD is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, JHMD has been the lower-risk option at 5.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHMD or JHEM?

Over the 5-year period, JHMD has performed better with a 8.79% return vs 8.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHMD or JHEM?

JHMD is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for JHEM.

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

JHMD has the higher dividend yield at 2.94%, compared with 1.88% for JHEM.

What is the main difference between JHMD and JHEM?

JHMD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while JHEM is Emerging Markets Equities. JHMD tracks John Hancock Dimensional Developed International Index, while JHEM tracks John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for JHMD and 0.49% for JHEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.92 vs 1.45), 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.