JHMU vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JHMU (John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JHMU is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Utilities Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, JHMU returned 7.44% vs 9.60% for VPU. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JHMU charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VPU.

Performance

JHMU vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF (JHMU) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHMU achieves a 1.66% return, which is significantly lower than VPU's 3.18% return.

JHMU

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: 1.66%
• 6M: 2.16%
• 1Y: 7.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPU

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: -5.40%
• YTD: 3.18%
• 6M: 1.27%
• 1Y: 9.60%
• 3Y*: 13.61%
• 5Y*: 9.11%
• 10Y*: 9.02%

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

JHMU vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
JHMU John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF	1.66%	5.03%	3.76%	7.77%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	3.18%	16.46%	23.04%	4.28%

Correlation

The correlation between JHMU and VPU is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2023	0.22

JHMU vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHMU	VPU
Utilities	99.0%	99.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

JHMU vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHMU

JHMU Risk / Return Rank: 74
JHMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
JHMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
JHMU Omega Ratio Rank: 88
JHMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
JHMU Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 20
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

JHMU vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF (JHMU) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	JHMU	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	0.67	+1.97
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.92	1.00	+2.92
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.12	+0.44
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	1.08	+1.61
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.67	2.43	+7.24
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JHMU vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHMU Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHMU and VPU, 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

	JHMU	VPU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.65	0.67	+1.97
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.74	0.53	+1.21

Drawdowns

JHMU vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHMU drawdown since its inception was -4.48%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHMU and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHMU	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.48%	-46.31%	+41.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.77%	-8.90%	+6.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	-7.26%	+6.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-7.78%	+6.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	3.96%	-3.19%

Volatility

JHMU vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF (JHMU) is 0.96%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.35%. This indicates that JHMU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHMU	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.96%	5.35%	-4.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.21%	11.36%	-9.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.82%	14.30%	-11.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.11%	17.05%	-12.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.11%	19.12%	-15.01%

JHMU vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHMU has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHMU vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

JHMU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.72%, more than VPU's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHMU John Hancock Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF	3.72%	4.36%	7.29%	0.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.69%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHMU and VPU in my portfolio?

JHMU and VPU have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHMU or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.35%) compared to JHMU (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHMU dropped -4.48% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, JHMU or VPU?

On 1-year performance, VPU leads with 9.60% vs 7.44% for JHMU. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, JHMU has been the lower-risk option at 0.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHMU or VPU?

Over the 1-year period, VPU has performed better with a 9.60% return vs 7.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHMU or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for JHMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JHMU or VPU?

JHMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.72%, compared with 2.69% for VPU.

What is the main difference between JHMU and VPU?

JHMU is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while VPU is Utilities Equities. JHMU tracks John Hancock Dimensional Utilities Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: John Hancock and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for JHMU and 0.10% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 0.67), 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.