VSMVX vs. JESVX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

VSMVX (Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) and JESVX (John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VSMVX returned 8.81%/yr vs 8.27%/yr for JESVX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSMVX charges 0.08%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for JESVX.

Performance

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX) and John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust (JESVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSMVX achieves a 22.18% return, which is significantly lower than JESVX's 25.45% return.

VSMVX

• 1D: 1.38%
• 1M: 5.22%
• 6M: 14.06%
• YTD: 22.18%
• 1Y: 36.16%
• 3Y*: 14.29%
• 5Y*: 8.81%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

JESVX

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 4.68%
• 6M: 17.25%
• YTD: 25.45%
• 1Y: 29.18%
• 3Y*: 12.63%
• 5Y*: 8.27%
• 10Y*: —

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

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	22.18%	6.38%	7.53%	14.85%	-11.12%	30.85%	2.79%	24.47%	-12.67%	12.87%
JESVX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust	25.45%	0.13%	5.97%	14.02%	-9.84%	26.18%	-6.96%	26.52%	-12.98%	-3.88%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMVX and JESVX 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	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.92

Over the past year, the correlation between VSMVX and JESVX has dropped to 0.65 - well below their long-term average of 0.92, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VSMVX vs. JESVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMVX

VSMVX Risk / Return Rank: 82
VSMVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
VSMVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VSMVX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VSMVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VSMVX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

JESVX

JESVX Risk / Return Rank: 78
JESVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
JESVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
JESVX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
JESVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
JESVX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX) and John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust (JESVX). 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.

	VSMVX	JESVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.95	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	2.88	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.33	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.06	3.79	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.48	12.46	+1.02

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the JESVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMVX and JESVX, 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

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMVX drawdown since its inception was -47.61%, roughly equal to the maximum JESVX drawdown of -46.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMVX and JESVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMVX	JESVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.61%	-46.09%	-1.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-10.17%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.81%	-26.55%	-2.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.81%	-26.55%	-2.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.22%	+2.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.58%	-8.98%	+1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	2.95%	-0.15%

Volatility

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSMVX) is 4.11%, while John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust (JESVX) has a volatility of 5.17%. This indicates that VSMVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JESVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSMVX	JESVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	5.17%	-1.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.75%	14.07%	-2.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.94%	19.73%	-1.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.87%	20.89%	+0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.07%	23.30%	+0.77%

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMVX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than JESVX's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSMVX vs. JESVX - Dividend Comparison

VSMVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, less than JESVX's 9.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JESVX John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Small Cap Value Trust	9.34%	11.72%	6.53%	9.41%	21.62%	1.33%	12.54%	7.49%	16.31%	0.76%	0.00%	0.00%
VSMVX Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.71%	1.45%	1.85%	1.92%	1.88%	1.66%	1.46%	1.65%	1.89%	1.55%	1.26%	1.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMVX and JESVX in my portfolio?

VSMVX and JESVX 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, VSMVX or JESVX?

JESVX has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to VSMVX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMVX dropped -47.61% vs JESVX's -46.09%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSMVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.95), 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.