JHML vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

JHML (John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. JHML is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, JHML returned 14.36%/yr vs 13.35%/yr for RFDA. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JHML charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

JHML vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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 JHML having a 10.32% return and RFDA slightly higher at 10.33%. Over the past 10 years, JHML has outperformed RFDA with an annualized return of 14.36%, while RFDA has yielded a comparatively lower 13.35% annualized return.

JHML

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 10.32%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 22.69%
• 3Y*: 19.37%
• 5Y*: 11.43%
• 10Y*: 14.36%

RFDA

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.03%
• YTD: 10.33%
• 6M: 9.16%
• 1Y: 25.01%
• 3Y*: 18.64%
• 5Y*: 12.74%
• 10Y*: 13.35%

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

JHML vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JHML John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF	10.32%	15.91%	19.84%	21.16%	-15.94%	26.90%	17.02%	30.94%	-6.45%	21.52%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.33%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%

Correlation

The correlation between JHML and RFDA is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2016	0.90

The correlation between JHML and RFDA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHML vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHML	RFDA
Technology	31.2%	21.1%
Financial Services	13.1%	14.4%
Industrials	11.6%	8.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	7.4%
Healthcare	8.9%	9.7%
Communication Services	8.1%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	7.0%
Energy	3.9%	11.7%
Utilities	3.6%	4.8%
Basic Materials	2.7%	1.9%
Real Estate	2.3%	4.9%

Return for Risk

JHML vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHML

JHML Risk / Return Rank: 68
JHML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
JHML Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
JHML Omega Ratio Rank: 66
JHML Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
JHML Martin Ratio Rank: 77

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 77
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

JHML vs. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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.

	JHML	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.15	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	2.98	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.40	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.87	4.61	-1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.96	16.42	-3.45

JHML vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHML Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHML and RFDA, 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

JHML vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHML drawdown since its inception was -36.13%, roughly equal to the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHML and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHML	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.13%	-34.60%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.95%	-5.45%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.20%	-19.35%	+1.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.47%	-19.35%	-4.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.13%	-34.60%	-1.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.82%	-2.06%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.28%	-3.73%	-0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.75%	1.53%	+0.22%

Volatility

JHML vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) has a higher volatility of 4.35% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 3.21%. This indicates that JHML's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHML	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	3.21%	+1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	8.78%	+0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.95%	11.71%	+0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.36%	15.75%	+0.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.76%	16.87%	+0.89%

JHML vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHML has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHML vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

JHML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, less than RFDA's 1.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHML John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF	0.96%	1.06%	1.16%	1.39%	1.46%	1.08%	1.59%	1.73%	1.57%	1.44%	1.36%	0.38%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.81%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHML and RFDA in my portfolio?

JHML and RFDA have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHML or RFDA?

JHML has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to RFDA (3.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHML dropped -36.13% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, JHML or RFDA?

On 10-year performance, JHML leads with 14.36% vs 13.35% for RFDA. On fees, JHML is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 3.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHML or RFDA?

Over the 10-year period, JHML has performed better with a 14.36% return vs 13.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHML or RFDA?

JHML is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JHML or RFDA?

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.96% for JHML.

What is the main difference between JHML and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: Manulife and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for JHML and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.91), 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.