Is HJPN a good ETF?
HJPN is the BetaShares Japan Currency Hedged ETF from BetaShares. It tracks the S&P Japan Exporters Hedged AUD Index. We classify it under Asia. With about $355 million in assets it is a solidly established fund.
On a total-return basis, HJPN has delivered 15.9% a year over 10 years (ranked 6th of 110 ETFs we track), 19.77% a year over 5 years (ranked 7th of 189 ETFs we track), 28.42% a year over 3 years (ranked 13th of 236 ETFs we track), and 43.42% a year over 1 year (ranked 11th of 318 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 1 year, where it sits in the top 3% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.56% is on the higher side. That's cheaper than the typical 0.64% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, J100 (0.4%) and IJP (0.5%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a high 6.32% yield — generous income, but check it isn't a sign of a narrow or higher-risk portfolio. Bear in mind distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate, so a high yield is less tax-efficient for higher earners and during the accumulation phase.
Over the past 10 years its volatility has been elevated (annualised standard deviation around 16.31%), meaning noticeably larger swings than the broad market. Its 10-year Sharpe ratio of 0.86 is reasonable — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Strengths
- Top-3% returns over 1 year (11th of 318 ETFs we track).
- High 6.32% income yield — good for investors who want regular cash flow.
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: J100 and IJP.
- That income is taxed yearly at your marginal rate, so it's less efficient for higher earners.
What HJPN's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Equities across Asian markets (often ex-Japan, frequently weighted to China, India, Taiwan and Korea). Exposure to faster-growing economies, with extra political, currency and governance risk.
- Market regime
- Tends to lead during global risk-on phases and when the US dollar is weak; lags badly in risk-off, flight-to-safety episodes.
- In a portfolio
- Best used as a satellite position to add growth and diversification, not as a core holding. Long horizon and tolerance for big swings required.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.