FTCB vs JHCR
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs John Hancock Core Bond ETF
Which is better, FTCB or JHCR?
Nearly the same fund. JHCR costs less.
JHCR has a lower expense ratio. JHCR led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | JHCR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.29%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $2.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.59% | 4.36% |
| Holdings | 1,580 | 1,940 |
| YTD Return | -2.74% | -2.26%Best |
| 1Y Return | -3.07% | -2.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.36% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 3.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -5.6% | -5.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $10,466 | $10,471Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | John Hancock Investment Management |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Investment Grade Bond | Investment Grade Bond |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Dec 18, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 18, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).
FTCB vs JHCR growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.8 years both funds cover.
FTCB vs JHCR Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and John Hancock Core Bond ETF (JHCR) is an ETF from John Hancock Investment Management. Over the past year FTCB returned -3.07% while JHCR returned -2.08%. Year to date, FTCB is down 2.74% versus a loss of 2.26% for JHCR.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.3% compared with 3.9% for JHCR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.6% for FTCB and -5.0% for JHCR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while JHCR charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $29 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.59% against 4.36% for JHCR.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 13 holdings in FTCB and 389 in JHCR, totalling 4.5% and 40.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 13 positions we hold weights for in FTCB and 389 in JHCR, against full books of 1,580 and 1,940.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCB and JHCR you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCB or JHCR?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while JHCR charges 0.29%. JHCR is the cheaper option, by $27 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCB or JHCR?
Over the past year FTCB returned -3.07% vs -2.08% for JHCR, so JHCR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTCB annualized +2.56% vs +2.59% for JHCR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCB or JHCR?
FTCB has been the more volatile fund at 4.3% annualized versus 3.9% for JHCR. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.6% vs JHCR -5.0%.
Should I hold both FTCB and JHCR?
FTCB and JHCR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or JHCR?
FTCB yields 5.59% while JHCR yields 4.36%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is JHCR better than FTCB?
JHCR has a lower expense ratio. JHCR led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.