SQLV vs. JHSC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SQLV (Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF) and JHSC (John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SQLV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while JHSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap Index. SQLV is actively managed, while JHSC is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SQLV returned 7.15%/yr vs 7.48%/yr for JHSC. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SQLV charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for JHSC.

Performance

SQLV vs. JHSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SQLV achieves a 16.34% return, which is significantly higher than JHSC's 13.57% return.

SQLV

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 3.63%
• YTD: 16.34%
• 6M: 15.01%
• 1Y: 28.84%
• 3Y*: 13.42%
• 5Y*: 7.15%
• 10Y*: —

JHSC

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

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

SQLV vs. JHSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SQLV Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF	16.34%	2.50%	4.76%	21.21%	-12.86%	37.14%	7.13%	17.41%	-10.55%	5.23%
JHSC John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF	13.57%	6.88%	9.74%	20.77%	-14.65%	19.55%	11.60%	24.43%	-12.50%	4.48%

Correlation

The correlation between SQLV and JHSC is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2017	0.76

The correlation between SQLV and JHSC shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (all time) to 0.92 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SQLV vs. JHSC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SQLV	JHSC
Financial Services	19.4%	18.0%
Healthcare	18.5%	8.0%
Technology	16.9%	15.6%
Consumer Cyclical	13.2%	13.0%
Industrials	10.9%	18.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.2%	3.1%
Communication Services	4.6%	2.0%
Energy	4.4%	4.9%
Basic Materials	3.4%	5.1%
Real Estate	0.9%	7.6%
Utilities	0.6%	4.1%

Return for Risk

SQLV vs. JHSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SQLV

SQLV Risk / Return Rank: 56
SQLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SQLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SQLV Omega Ratio Rank: 46
SQLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SQLV Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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

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.

SQLV vs. JHSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF (SQLV) and John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC). 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.

	SQLV	JHSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.55	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.30	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.27	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	2.62	+0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.82	9.09	+0.73

SQLV vs. JHSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SQLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the JHSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SQLV and JHSC, 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

SQLV vs. JHSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SQLV drawdown since its inception was -48.34%, which is greater than JHSC's maximum drawdown of -42.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SQLV and JHSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SQLV	JHSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.34%	-42.66%	-5.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.84%	-9.63%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.86%	-25.16%	-1.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.86%	-25.21%	-1.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-0.73%	-0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.90%	-7.73%	-1.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.77%	+0.18%

Volatility

SQLV vs. JHSC - Volatility Comparison

Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF (SQLV) has a higher volatility of 4.55% compared to John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) at 4.27%. This indicates that SQLV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than JHSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SQLV	JHSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	4.27%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.56%	11.37%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.69%	16.35%	+1.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	20.16%	+0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.32%	22.18%	+1.14%

SQLV vs. JHSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SQLV has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than JHSC's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

SQLV vs. JHSC - Dividend Comparison

SQLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, more than JHSC's 0.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%	0.00%
SQLV Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF	1.01%	1.15%	1.11%	1.09%	1.24%	1.12%	1.22%	1.20%	1.08%	0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SQLV and JHSC in my portfolio?

SQLV and JHSC have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SQLV or JHSC?

SQLV has higher volatility (4.55%) compared to JHSC (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SQLV dropped -48.34% vs JHSC's -42.66%.

Which ETF is better, SQLV or JHSC?

On 5-year performance, JHSC leads with 7.48% vs 7.15% for SQLV. 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, SQLV or JHSC?

Over the 5-year period, JHSC has performed better with a 7.48% return vs 7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SQLV or JHSC?

JHSC is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SQLV.

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

SQLV has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.99% for JHSC.

What is the main difference between SQLV and JHSC?

SQLV is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while JHSC is Small Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Manulife. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SQLV and 0.42% for JHSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SQLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 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.