JHSC vs. JHEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

JHSC (John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF) and JHEM (John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JHSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index, while JHEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JHSC returned 7.48%/yr vs 7.52%/yr for JHEM. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHSC charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for JHEM.

Performance

JHSC vs. JHEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHSC achieves a 13.57% return, which is significantly lower than JHEM's 21.32% return.

JHSC

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 2.52%
• YTD: 13.57%
• 6M: 11.45%
• 1Y: 25.14%
• 3Y*: 15.29%
• 5Y*: 7.48%
• 10Y*: —

JHEM

• 1D: -4.49%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 21.32%
• 6M: 22.78%
• 1Y: 43.14%
• 3Y*: 20.79%
• 5Y*: 7.52%
• 10Y*: —

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

JHSC vs. JHEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	13.57%	6.88%	9.74%	20.77%	-14.65%	19.55%	11.60%	24.43%	-19.30%
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	21.32%	30.49%	4.58%	12.94%	-17.90%	2.10%	11.50%	17.68%	-7.63%

Correlation

The correlation between JHSC and JHEM is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2018	0.61

The correlation between JHSC and JHEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

JHSC vs. JHEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JHSC	JHEM
Industrials	18.3%	7.6%
Financial Services	18.0%	20.1%
Technology	15.6%	33.9%
Consumer Cyclical	13.0%	10.5%
Healthcare	8.0%	2.7%
Real Estate	7.6%	0.6%
Basic Materials	5.1%	7.9%
Energy	4.9%	4.4%
Utilities	4.1%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.0%
Communication Services	2.0%	6.8%

Return for Risk

JHSC vs. JHEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHSC

JHSC Risk / Return Rank: 52
JHSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
JHSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
JHSC Omega Ratio Rank: 45
JHSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
JHSC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

JHEM

JHEM Risk / Return Rank: 70
JHEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
JHEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
JHEM Omega Ratio Rank: 72
JHEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
JHEM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. JHEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) and John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM). 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.

	JHSC	JHEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.05	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	2.67	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	3.51	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.09	12.98	-3.89

JHSC vs. JHEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the JHEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHSC and JHEM, 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

JHSC vs. JHEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHSC drawdown since its inception was -42.66%, which is greater than JHEM's maximum drawdown of -34.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHSC and JHEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHSC	JHEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.66%	-34.99%	-7.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.63%	-12.34%	+2.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	-18.16%	-7.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.21%	-31.83%	+6.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-4.88%	+4.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.73%	-9.91%	+2.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	3.33%	-0.56%

Volatility

JHSC vs. JHEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) is 4.27%, while John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) has a volatility of 11.51%. This indicates that JHSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JHEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHSC	JHEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	11.51%	-7.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.37%	19.15%	-7.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.35%	21.15%	-4.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.16%	18.17%	+1.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.18%	20.85%	+1.33%

JHSC vs. JHEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHSC has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than JHEM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHSC vs. JHEM - Dividend Comparison

JHSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than JHEM's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	1.97%	2.39%	2.93%	2.87%	2.84%	2.71%	1.67%	2.37%	0.21%
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	0.99%	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 JHEM in my portfolio?

JHSC and JHEM have a correlation of 0.55, 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 JHEM?

JHEM has higher volatility (11.51%) compared to JHSC (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHSC dropped -42.66% vs JHEM's -34.99%.

Which ETF is better, JHSC or JHEM?

On 5-year performance, JHEM leads with 7.52% vs 7.48% for JHSC. On fees, JHSC is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, JHSC has been the lower-risk option at 4.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JHSC or JHEM?

Over the 5-year period, JHEM has performed better with a 7.52% return vs 7.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JHSC or JHEM?

JHSC is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for JHEM.

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

JHEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 0.99% for JHSC.

What is the main difference between JHSC and JHEM?

JHSC is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while JHEM is Emerging Markets Equities. JHSC tracks John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index, while JHEM tracks John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for JHSC and 0.49% for JHEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.55), 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.