RFDI vs. JHID

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and JHID (John Hancock International High Dividend ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, RFDI returned 19.13%/yr vs 19.96%/yr for JHID. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for JHID.

Performance

RFDI vs. JHID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFDI achieves a 11.89% return, which is significantly lower than JHID's 14.58% return.

RFDI

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 1.03%
• 6M: 8.89%
• YTD: 11.89%
• 1Y: 26.76%
• 3Y*: 19.13%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: 8.98%

JHID

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: -0.18%
• 6M: 10.79%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 1Y: 31.71%
• 3Y*: 19.96%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RFDI vs. JHID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	11.89%	35.95%	5.56%	18.14%	0.43%
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	14.58%	41.47%	3.62%	19.47%	-0.42%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and JHID is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2022	0.93

The correlation between RFDI and JHID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFDI vs. JHID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDI	JHID
Financial Services	27.8%	28.6%
Industrials	11.6%	15.7%
Energy	10.6%	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	4.8%
Healthcare	8.6%	6.4%
Technology	7.6%	9.6%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	7.9%
Communication Services	5.1%	2.8%
Basic Materials	5.0%	6.6%
Utilities	4.4%	5.8%
Real Estate	1.9%	5.8%

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. JHID — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFDI

RFDI Risk / Return Rank: 68
RFDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
RFDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
RFDI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
RFDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
RFDI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

JHID

JHID Risk / Return Rank: 88
JHID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
JHID Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
JHID Omega Ratio Rank: 89
JHID Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
JHID Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

RFDI vs. JHID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID). 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.

	RFDI	JHID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.45	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.42	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.44	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	3.78	-1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.49	14.44	-4.95

RFDI vs. JHID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the JHID Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI and JHID, 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

RFDI vs. JHID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, which is greater than JHID's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and JHID.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	JHID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-12.42%	-26.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-8.42%	-1.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-12.42%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-0.44%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.15%	-2.43%	-6.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.20%	+0.63%

Volatility

RFDI vs. JHID - Volatility Comparison

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) has a higher volatility of 3.57% compared to John Hancock International High Dividend ETF (JHID) at 3.19%. This indicates that RFDI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than JHID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDI	JHID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	3.19%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.64%	11.09%	+1.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.86%	13.03%	+1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	13.90%	+2.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.01%	13.90%	+3.11%

RFDI vs. JHID - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than JHID's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. JHID - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.16%, less than JHID's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
JHID John Hancock International High Dividend ETF	3.42%	3.13%	5.15%	5.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	3.16%	3.45%	5.21%	2.43%	5.00%	3.22%	1.34%	2.72%	2.59%	1.63%	1.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDI and JHID in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, RFDI and JHID move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, RFDI or JHID?

RFDI has higher volatility (3.57%) compared to JHID (3.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs JHID's -12.42%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or JHID?

On 3-year performance, JHID leads with 19.96% vs 19.13% for RFDI. On fees, JHID is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, JHID has been the lower-risk option at 3.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFDI or JHID?

Over the 3-year period, JHID has performed better with a 19.96% return vs 19.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or JHID?

JHID is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFDI or JHID?

JHID has the higher dividend yield at 3.42%, compared with 3.16% for RFDI.

What is the main difference between RFDI and JHID?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and John Hancock. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.46% for JHID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JHID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.81), 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.