JHPI vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JHPI (John Hancock Preferred Income ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JHPI is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund actively managed by John Hancock, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. JHPI is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, JHPI returned 9.19%/yr vs 21.19%/yr for VTI. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHPI charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

JHPI vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Preferred Income ETF (JHPI) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHPI achieves a 1.81% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 10.35% return.

JHPI

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 1.81%
• 6M: 1.89%
• 1Y: 7.49%
• 3Y*: 9.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

JHPI vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
JHPI John Hancock Preferred Income ETF	1.81%	7.37%	10.54%	7.25%	-9.55%	0.88%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.35%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	2.86%

Correlation

The correlation between JHPI and VTI is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2021	0.57

The correlation between JHPI and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHPI vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHPI	VTI
Utilities	100.0%	2.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.9%
Communication Services	-	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.3%
Energy	-	3.3%
Financial Services	-	11.3%
Healthcare	-	9.0%
Industrials	-	9.4%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Technology	-	37.0%

Return for Risk

JHPI vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHPI

JHPI Risk / Return Rank: 64
JHPI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
JHPI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
JHPI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
JHPI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
JHPI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

JHPI vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Preferred Income ETF (JHPI) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	JHPI	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	2.14	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	2.90	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.38	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	3.06	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.13	13.68	-4.54

JHPI vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHPI Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHPI and VTI, 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

JHPI vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHPI drawdown since its inception was -13.45%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHPI and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHPI	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.45%	-55.45%	+42.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.08%	-8.92%	+5.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.26%	-19.30%	+14.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-1.48%	+0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-8.01%	+4.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	1.99%	-1.17%

Volatility

JHPI vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Preferred Income ETF (JHPI) is 1.11%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.74%. This indicates that JHPI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHPI	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.11%	4.74%	-3.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	9.96%	-7.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.45%	12.76%	-9.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.28%	17.49%	-11.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.28%	18.35%	-12.07%

JHPI vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHPI has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHPI vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

JHPI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.79%, more than VTI's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHPI John Hancock Preferred Income ETF	5.79%	5.73%	6.32%	6.44%	6.27%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHPI and VTI in my portfolio?

JHPI and VTI have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHPI or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to JHPI (1.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHPI dropped -13.45% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, JHPI or VTI?

On 3-year performance, VTI leads with 21.19% vs 9.19% for JHPI. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, JHPI has been the lower-risk option at 1.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHPI or VTI?

Over the 3-year period, VTI has performed better with a 21.19% return vs 9.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHPI or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for JHPI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JHPI or VTI?

JHPI has the higher dividend yield at 5.79%, compared with 1.02% for VTI.

What is the main difference between JHPI and VTI?

JHPI is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: John Hancock and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for JHPI and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHPI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 2.14), 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.