JHML vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JHML (John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - JHML tracks the John Hancock Dimensional Large Cap Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, JHML returned 14.24%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JHML charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

JHML vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHML achieves a 11.62% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return. Over the past 10 years, JHML has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 14.24%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

JHML

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: 11.62%
• 6M: 11.80%
• 1Y: 26.67%
• 3Y*: 20.37%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 14.24%

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

JHML vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JHML John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF	11.62%	15.91%	19.84%	21.16%	-15.94%	26.90%	17.02%	30.94%	-6.45%	21.52%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between JHML and VUG is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2015	0.87

The correlation between JHML and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHML vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHML	VUG
Technology	27.8%	53.5%
Financial Services	13.8%	4.3%
Industrials	12.2%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	12.2%
Healthcare	9.0%	4.6%
Communication Services	8.4%	17.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	1.5%
Energy	4.3%	0.4%
Utilities	4.0%	0.9%
Basic Materials	2.8%	0.6%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.0%

Return for Risk

JHML vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHML

JHML Risk / Return Rank: 72
JHML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
JHML Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
JHML Omega Ratio Rank: 71
JHML Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
JHML Martin Ratio Rank: 80

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	JHML	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	1.77	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	2.40	+0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.31	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	1.69	+1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.61	5.92	+9.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JHML vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHML Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHML and VUG, 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

	JHML	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	1.77	+0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	0.68	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80	0.85	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.62	+0.19

Drawdowns

JHML vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHML drawdown since its inception was -36.13%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHML and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHML	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.13%	-50.68%	+14.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.95%	-16.53%	+8.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.20%	-22.85%	+4.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.47%	-35.61%	+12.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.13%	-35.61%	-0.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-1.51%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-7.09%	+2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.71%	4.71%	-3.00%

Volatility

JHML vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) is 2.84%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that JHML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHML	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.84%	3.83%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.70%	12.11%	-3.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.48%	15.84%	-4.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.29%	22.22%	-5.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.76%	21.44%	-3.68%

JHML vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHML has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHML vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

JHML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHML John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF	0.95%	1.06%	1.16%	1.39%	1.46%	1.08%	1.59%	1.73%	1.57%	1.44%	1.36%	0.38%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHML and VUG in my portfolio?

JHML and VUG have a correlation of 0.81, 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 VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to JHML (2.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHML dropped -36.13% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, JHML or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.26% vs 14.24% for JHML. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, JHML has been the lower-risk option at 2.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHML or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.26% return vs 14.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHML or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for JHML.

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

JHML has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between JHML and VUG?

JHML tracks John Hancock Dimensional Large Cap Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Manulife and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for JHML and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.77), 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.