JHVTX vs. VIESX

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

JHVTX (John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Emerging Markets Value Trust) and VIESX (Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 5 years, JHVTX returned 8.66%/yr vs 1.28%/yr for VIESX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JHVTX charges 1.06%/yr vs 1.51%/yr for VIESX.

Performance

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Emerging Markets Value Trust (JHVTX) and Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JHVTX achieves a 16.57% return, which is significantly higher than VIESX's 2.32% return.

JHVTX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.72%
• 6M: 10.61%
• YTD: 16.57%
• 1Y: 32.33%
• 3Y*: 16.06%
• 5Y*: 8.66%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 7.98%

VIESX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -0.95%
• 6M: 0.48%
• YTD: 2.32%
• 1Y: -0.61%
• 3Y*: 9.42%
• 5Y*: 1.28%
• 10Y*: 8.79%
• ALL TIME*: 6.53%

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

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JHVTX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Emerging Markets Value Trust	16.57%	32.01%	-2.45%	15.17%	-11.61%	11.24%	3.70%	10.85%	-13.50%	22.38%
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	2.32%	13.61%	3.62%	21.83%	-22.92%	-1.62%	38.88%	18.28%	-5.40%	25.41%

Correlation

The correlation between JHVTX and VIESX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.68

The correlation between JHVTX and VIESX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JHVTX vs. VIESX — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHVTX

JHVTX Risk / Return Rank: 82
JHVTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
JHVTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
JHVTX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
JHVTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
JHVTX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

VIESX

VIESX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VIESX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VIESX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VIESX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VIESX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VIESX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Emerging Markets Value Trust (JHVTX) and Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX). 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.

	JHVTX	VIESX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	-0.04	+2.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	0.03	+2.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.00	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	-0.04	+3.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.19	-0.09	+11.29

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JHVTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is higher than the VIESX Sharpe Ratio of -0.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JHVTX and VIESX, 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

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHVTX drawdown since its inception was -48.10%, which is greater than VIESX's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHVTX and VIESX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHVTX	VIESX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.10%	-35.10%	-13.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-10.58%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.40%	-11.97%	-4.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.03%	-35.10%	+11.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.72%	-6.74%	+4.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.31%	-9.71%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	4.64%	-1.50%

Volatility

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Volatility Comparison

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Emerging Markets Value Trust (JHVTX) has a higher volatility of 5.41% compared to Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (VIESX) at 3.86%. This indicates that JHVTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIESX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JHVTX	VIESX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	3.86%	+1.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.33%	9.78%	+4.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.99%	11.78%	+5.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.22%	13.26%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.33%	13.21%	+3.12%

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHVTX has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is lower than VIESX's 1.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHVTX vs. VIESX - Dividend Comparison

JHVTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than VIESX's 2.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JHVTX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Emerging Markets Value Trust	0.99%	1.15%	4.55%	1.56%	4.10%	2.50%	2.16%	3.16%	3.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VIESX Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund	2.73%	2.79%	3.64%	0.00%	0.00%	8.80%	1.17%	2.06%	0.38%	0.83%	2.01%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHVTX and VIESX in my portfolio?

JHVTX and VIESX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JHVTX or VIESX?

JHVTX has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to VIESX (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JHVTX dropped -48.10% vs VIESX's -35.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHVTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs -0.04), 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.