JHSC vs. ISCG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JHSC (John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF) and ISCG (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - JHSC tracks the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index while ISCG tracks the Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JHSC returned 7.04%/yr vs 5.31%/yr for ISCG. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JHSC charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for ISCG.

Performance

JHSC vs. ISCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) and iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG). 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 lower than ISCG's 12.92% return.

JHSC

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

ISCG

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 3.29%
• YTD: 12.92%
• 6M: 12.57%
• 1Y: 30.64%
• 3Y*: 17.01%
• 5Y*: 5.31%
• 10Y*: 11.37%

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

JHSC vs. ISCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	11.55%	6.88%	9.74%	20.77%	-14.65%	19.55%	11.60%	24.43%	-12.50%	4.48%
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	12.92%	12.88%	13.35%	23.13%	-26.75%	-1.26%	43.41%	27.66%	-6.91%	4.37%

Correlation

The correlation between JHSC and ISCG is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2017	0.90

The correlation between JHSC and ISCG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHSC vs. ISCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHSC	ISCG
Financial Services	18.3%	10.6%
Industrials	16.8%	24.6%
Technology	14.1%	21.4%
Consumer Cyclical	14.1%	9.9%
Energy	7.5%	2.8%
Healthcare	7.4%	15.4%
Real Estate	6.0%	5.2%
Basic Materials	5.1%	3.5%
Utilities	4.2%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	2.9%
Communication Services	3.0%	2.8%

Return for Risk

JHSC vs. ISCG — 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

ISCG

ISCG Risk / Return Rank: 50
ISCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
ISCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ISCG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
ISCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
ISCG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. ISCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) and iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG). 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	ISCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.70	-0.21
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.40	-0.18
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.69	-0.18
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.69	10.31	-1.61
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. ISCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the ISCG Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHSC and ISCG, 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	ISCG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	1.70	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35	0.23	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.41	-0.02

Drawdowns

JHSC vs. ISCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHSC drawdown since its inception was -42.66%, smaller than the maximum ISCG drawdown of -57.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHSC and ISCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHSC	ISCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.66%	-57.72%	+15.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.63%	-11.43%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	-26.71%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.21%	-37.80%	+12.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.48%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-0.93%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-11.63%	+3.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	2.98%	-0.20%

Volatility

JHSC vs. ISCG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) is 4.16%, while iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) has a volatility of 4.93%. This indicates that JHSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISCG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHSC	ISCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	4.93%	-0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.11%	13.09%	-1.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	18.13%	-1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.15%	22.95%	-2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.21%	23.16%	-0.95%

JHSC vs. ISCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHSC has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than ISCG's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHSC vs. ISCG - Dividend Comparison

JHSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, more than ISCG's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.56%	0.61%	0.84%	0.77%	0.92%	0.62%	0.10%	0.27%	0.40%	0.52%	1.19%	0.64%
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%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHSC and ISCG in my portfolio?

JHSC and ISCG have a correlation of 0.89, 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 ISCG?

ISCG has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to JHSC (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHSC dropped -42.66% vs ISCG's -57.72%.

Which ETF is better, JHSC or ISCG?

On 5-year performance, JHSC leads with 7.04% vs 5.31% for ISCG. On fees, ISCG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, JHSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHSC or ISCG?

Over the 5-year period, JHSC has performed better with a 7.04% return vs 5.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHSC or ISCG?

ISCG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for JHSC.

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

JHSC has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.56% for ISCG.

What is the main difference between JHSC and ISCG?

JHSC tracks John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index, while ISCG tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index. They also come from different issuers: Manulife and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for JHSC and 0.06% for ISCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.49), 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.