JHSC vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JHSC (John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JHSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. JHSC is passively managed, while CAOS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, JHSC returned 14.51%/yr vs 4.26%/yr for CAOS. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JHSC charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

JHSC vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) and Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHSC achieves a 11.55% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.82% return.

JHSC

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 11.55%
• 6M: 10.59%
• 1Y: 24.10%
• 3Y*: 14.51%
• 5Y*: 7.04%
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.69%
• 1Y: 1.88%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JHSC vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	11.55%	6.88%	9.74%	10.88%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.82%	2.55%	5.33%	7.97%

Correlation

The correlation between JHSC and CAOS is -0.31, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2023	0.04

The correlation between JHSC and CAOS shifts across timeframes, from -0.31 (1 year) to 0.04 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

JHSC vs. CAOS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHSC	CAOS
Financial Services	18.3%	12.4%
Industrials	16.8%	8.5%
Technology	14.1%	33.1%
Consumer Cyclical	14.1%	10.0%
Energy	7.5%	4.1%
Healthcare	7.4%	9.6%
Real Estate	6.0%	2.0%
Basic Materials	5.1%	1.9%
Utilities	4.2%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	5.4%
Communication Services	3.0%	10.4%

Return for Risk

JHSC vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHSC

JHSC Risk / Return Rank: 46
JHSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
JHSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
JHSC Omega Ratio Rank: 40
JHSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
JHSC Martin Ratio Rank: 52

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 40
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

JHSC vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) and Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). 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.

	JHSC	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.24	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	1.98	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.49	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.69	6.22	+2.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JHSC vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHSC and CAOS, 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

	JHSC	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	1.24	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	1.21	-0.81

Drawdowns

JHSC vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHSC drawdown since its inception was -42.66%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHSC and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHSC	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.66%	-3.60%	-39.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.63%	-0.76%	-8.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	-3.60%	-21.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-1.07%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-0.90%	-6.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	0.30%	+2.48%

Volatility

JHSC vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) has a higher volatility of 4.16% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.26%. This indicates that JHSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CAOS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHSC	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	0.26%	+3.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.11%	1.03%	+10.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	1.52%	+14.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.15%	4.26%	+15.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.21%	4.26%	+17.95%

JHSC vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHSC has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHSC vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

JHSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	1.01%	1.13%	0.96%	0.98%	1.13%	1.08%	1.12%	1.14%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHSC and CAOS in my portfolio?

JHSC and CAOS have a correlation of -0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHSC or CAOS?

JHSC has higher volatility (4.16%) compared to CAOS (0.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHSC dropped -42.66% vs CAOS's -3.60%.

Which ETF is better, JHSC or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, JHSC leads with 14.51% vs 4.26% for CAOS. On fees, JHSC is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHSC or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, JHSC has performed better with a 14.51% return vs 4.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHSC or CAOS?

JHSC is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JHSC or CAOS?

JHSC has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between JHSC and CAOS?

JHSC is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Manulife and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for JHSC and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.24), 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.