0001683863-24-003849.txt : 20240606 0001683863-24-003849.hdr.sgml : 20240606 20240508161212 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001683863-24-003849 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: CORRESP PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 20240508 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000925683 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 043241844 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK BANK & THRIFT OPPORTUNITY FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20110214 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN BANK & THRIFT OPPORTUNITY FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940728 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN REGIONAL BANK & THRIFT FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940620 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: John Hancock Collateral Trust CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001631942 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 800-225-5291 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK CAPITAL SERIES CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000045291 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 042443211 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN CAPITAL SERIES DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940316 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN GROWTH TRUST /MA/ DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19910704 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN GROWTH FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19850423 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST II CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000743861 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FREEDOM INVESTMENT TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FREEDOM GOLD & GOVERNMENT TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19850530 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000756913 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20050124 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MANUFACTURERS INVESTMENT TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19971022 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NASL SERIES FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19881030 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTORS TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000759828 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN INVESTORS TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000759866 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN INCOME SECURITIES TRUST /MA DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK PREMIUM DIVIDEND FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000855886 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 043097281 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN PATRIOT PREMIUM DIVIDEND FUND II DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990518 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: PATRIOT PREMIUM DIVIDEND FUND II DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK PREFERRED INCOME FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001176199 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK PREFERRED INCOME FUND II CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001189740 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK PREFERRED INCOME FUND III CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001215913 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0731 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK TAX-ADVANTAGED DIVIDEND INCOME FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001260041 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK PREFERRED & EQUITY INCOME FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20030814 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: John Hancock Funds III CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001329954 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 6176633000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: John Hancock Funds II CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001331971 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-2166 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001396502 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-4319 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Yield Fund DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20070413 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001478482 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 001017025 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0430 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001496749 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 800-344-1029 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000022370 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 746035056 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN INVESTMENT TRUST /MA/ DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950131 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: TRANSAMERICA INVESTMENT TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950131 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CRITERION INCOME TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19890820 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JOHN HANCOCK CURRENT INTEREST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000026262 ORGANIZATION NAME: IRS NUMBER: 741790026 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: CORRESP BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 617-663-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS STREET 2: 200 BERKELEY STREET CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HANCOCK JOHN CURRENT INTEREST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19941227 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: TRANSAMERICA CURRENT INTEREST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930706 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: TRANSAMERICA U S GOVERNMENT CASH RESERVE DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920805 CORRESP 1 filename1.htm April 2024 SEC comments

John Hancock Group of Funds

200 Berkeley Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

May 8, 2024

VIA EDGAR

Division of Investment Management

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20549

Attention: Jeff Long

Re: Closed End Fund

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended December 31, 2023; File No. 811-08568

John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended December 31, 2023; File No. 811-22441

John Hancock Income Securities Trust Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N- CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-04186

John Hancock Investors Trust Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-04173

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N- CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-05908

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-21416

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-22056

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N- CSR") for the Period Ended July 31, 2023; File No. 811-21131

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N- CSR") for the Period Ended July 31, 2023; File No. 811-21202

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended July 31, 2023; File No. 811-21287

Open End Funds

John Hancock Capital Series Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-01677

John Hancock Collateral Trust Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended December 31, 2023; File No. 811-23027

Securities and Exchange Commission

April 28, 2021

Page 2 of 7

John Hancock Current Interest Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended March 31, 2023; File No. 811-02485

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended April 30, 2023; File No. 811-22733

John Hancock Funds II Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended December 31, 2023; File No. 811-21779

John Hancock Funds III Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended March 31, 2023; File No. 811-21777

John Hancock Investment Trust Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-00560

John Hancock Investment Trust II Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N-CSR") for the Period Ended October 31, 2023; File No. 811-03999

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Form N-CSR Annual Reports to Shareholders ("Form N- CSR") for the Period Ended December 31, 2023; File No. 811-04146

Dear Mr. Long:

This letter responds to the comments of the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which were conveyed to us by telephone on April 1, 2024 with respect to the filings on Form N-CSR for the John Hancock Funds listed on Annex A, attached hereto. The Staff's comments are set forth below, each followed by the respective fund's response.

1.Comment: For John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund, registration statements rely on the short form (General Instructions A 2). Form N-2 requires 10 years of financial highlights to be presented in the registration statement. Noted that the 12-31-23 Form N-CSR filing only included 5 years of financial highlights. Options to extend financial highlights to 10 years include: 1) incorporate by reference historical financial statements filed in Form N-CSR, 2) file an amendment to the registration statement on Form 424B3, or 3) include the earliest 5 years of financial highlights in the additional information section of the shareholder report filed in Form N-CSR.

Response: We agree and will file Form 424B3 for John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund in response to this comment.

2.Comment: For the John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Form N-CSR filing, annual shareholder reports include summary schedules of investments and Item 6 of Form N-SCR includes full schedules of investments with the independent auditor opinions on full schedules. For the equity funds, the independent auditor opinion on the full schedules of investments incorrectly references summary schedules.

Response: We agree and will file an amended Form N-CSR for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, which will include an updated independent auditor opinion referencing the full schedule of investments for the equity funds.

3.Comment: For John Hancock Income Securities Trust, John Hancock Investors Trust, and John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund, noted the expense ratios included on the Fact Sheets as of December 31, 2023 do not agree to the financial highlights in the most current financial statements.

Securities and Exchange Commission

April 28, 2021

Page 3 of 7

Response: The expense ratios per the Fact Sheets are generally updated annually following the effective date of the prospectus update (e.g. Fact Sheet expense ratios for October 31, 2023 fiscal year end funds with a March 1, 2024 prospectus update would be updated for the March 31, 2024 quarter end Fact Sheet).

4.Comment: For John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (HTD), the performance section of the annual report compares performance to two blended indices (primary and secondary) however Form N-2 states that performance should be compared to a broad-based securities index. Please explain how the fund is meeting this requirement.

5.Response: The Fund respectfully disagrees that the fund's blended benchmark is not an "appropriate broad-based securities market index" as used in Instruction 4.g.(2)(F) to Item 24 in Form N-2. The blended benchmark used by the fund, consistent with Form N-2, is "one that is administered by an organization that is not an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser, or principal underwriter, unless the index is widely recognized and used." The Fund uses blended benchmarks comprised of constituent asset class indices that are calculated and administered by organizations that are not affiliated persons of the Fund, its investment adviser, or principal underwriter, and each of these constituent indices qualifies as an "appropriate broad-based securities market index." Moreover, the benchmark blend is static and not "administered" by the adviser on an ongoing

basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in response to the Staff's request, the Fund will include the performance of the ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index first in the performance section of its annual report, in addition to the Primary and Secondary Blended Indexes, which will be renamed the Blended Benchmark and Additional Blended Benchmark, respectively.

We hope that these foregoing responses adequately address the Staff's comments. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail at sschiavone@jhancock.com .

Sincerely,

/s/ Salvatore Schiavone Salvatore Schiavone Treasurer

John Hancock Group of Funds

Securities and Exchange Commission

April 28, 2021

Page 4 of 7

Annex A

Count

Series ID

FYE

File #

Series Name

Registrant Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

S000000620

10/31/2023

811-01677

U.S. Global Leaders Growth Fund

John Hancock Capital Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

S000000617

10/31/2023

811-01677

Classic Value Fund

John Hancock Capital Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

S000048934

12/31/2023

811-23027

John Hancock Collateral Trust

John Hancock Collateral Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

S000000623

3/31/2023

811-02485

John Hancock Money Market Fund

John Hancock Current Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

S000050077

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

ETF

Trust

6

S000074603

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Preferred Income ETF

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Trust

7

S000055737

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Multifactor Developed

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

International ETF

Trust

8

S000072179

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Mortgage-Backed

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

Securities ETF

Trust

9

S000063017

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Multifactor Emerging

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

Markets ETF

Trust

10

S000077441

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock U.S. High Dividend

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

ETF

Trust

11

S000071291

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Trust

12

S000050079

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

ETF

Trust

13

S000059464

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

ETF

Trust

14

S000079041

4/30/2023

811-22733

John Hancock International High

John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund

 

 

 

 

Dividend ETF

Trust

15

 

12/31/2023

811-08568

John Hancock Financial

John Hancock Financial Opportunities

 

 

 

 

Opportunities Fund

Fund

16

S000003339

12/31/2023

811-21779

Multimanager Lifestyle Growth

John Hancock Funds II

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

17

S000003337

12/31/2023

811-21779

Multimanager Lifestyle Balanced

John Hancock Funds II

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

18

S000003342

12/31/2023

811-21779

Multimanager Lifestyle Moderate

John Hancock Funds II

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

19

S000003338

12/31/2023

811-21779

Multimanager Lifestyle Conservative

John Hancock Funds II

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

20

S000003335

12/31/2023

811-21779

Multimanager Lifestyle Aggressive

John Hancock Funds II

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

21

S000023715

3/31/2023

811-21777

John Hancock Disciplined Value

John Hancock Funds III

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

22

S000001412

3/31/2023

811-21777

John Hancock International Growth

John Hancock Funds III

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

23

S000035055

3/31/2023

811-21777

John Hancock U.S. Growth Fund

John Hancock Funds III

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

S000028882

3/31/2023

811-21777

John Hancock Disciplined Value Mid

John Hancock Funds III

 

 

 

 

Cap Fund

 

25

S000015906

3/31/2023

811-21777

John Hancock Global Shareholder

John Hancock Funds III

 

 

 

 

Yield Fund

 

26

 

12/31/2023

811-22441

John Hancock Hedged Equity &

John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income

 

 

 

 

Income Fund

Fund

Securities and Exchange Commission

April 28, 2021

Page 5 of 7

27

 

10/31/2023

811-04186

John Hancock Income Securities

John Hancock Income Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

28

S000066059

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Diversified Macro

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

29

S000053961

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock ESG Large Cap Core

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

30

S000043448

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Infrastructure Fund

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

31

S000045751

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Disciplined Value

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

International Fund

 

32

S000049614

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Emerging Markets

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Equity Fund

 

33

S000043449

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Seaport Long/Short

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

34

S000065244

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock International Dynamic

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Growth Fund

 

35

S000055868

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock ESG International

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Equity Fund

 

36

S000043450

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Small Cap Core Fund

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

37

S000000630

10/31/2023

811-00560

Fundamental Large Cap Core Fund

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

38

S000063662

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Global Thematic

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Opportunities Fund

 

39

S000000629

10/31/2023

811-00560

Balanced Fund

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

40

S000072387

10/31/2023

811-00560

John Hancock Global Environmental

John Hancock Investment Trust

 

 

 

 

Opportunities Fund

 

41

S000000635

10/31/2023

811-03999

Regional Bank Fund

John Hancock Investment Trust II

 

 

 

 

 

 

42

S000000634

10/31/2023

811-03999

Financial Industries Fund

John Hancock Investment Trust II

 

 

 

 

 

 

43

 

10/31/2023

811-04173

John Hancock Investors Trust

John Hancock Investors Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

44

 

7/31/2023

811-21131

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

45

 

7/31/2023

811-21202

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II

 

 

 

 

II

 

46

 

7/31/2023

811-21287

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund

 

 

 

 

III

III

47

 

10/31/2023

811-05908

John Hancock Premium Dividend

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

48

 

10/31/2023

811-21416

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged

 

 

 

 

Dividend Income Fund

Dividend Income Fund

49

 

10/31/2023

811-22056

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global

 

 

 

 

Global Shareholder Yield Fund

Shareholder Yield Fund

50

S000008231

12/31/2023

811-04146

Global Equity Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

51

S000029542

12/31/2023

811-04146

Ultra Short Term Bond Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

52

S000024662

12/31/2023

811-04146

Short Term Government Income

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

Trust

 

53

S000008296

12/31/2023

811-04146

Fundamental All Cap Core Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

54

S000008273

12/31/2023

811-04146

Investment Quality Bond Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

55

S000008278

12/31/2023

811-04146

Managed Volatility Growth Portfolio

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

56

S000008216

12/31/2023

811-04146

American International Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

57

S000008281

12/31/2023

811-04146

Managed Volatility Conservative

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

April 28, 2021

Page 6 of 7

58

S000008280

12/31/2023

811-04146

Managed Volatility Moderate

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

59

S000021933

12/31/2023

811-04146

Capital Appreciation Value Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

S000008312

12/31/2023

811-04146

Small Cap Opportunities Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

61

S000008302

12/31/2023

811-04146

Disciplined Value International Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

62

S000008316

12/31/2023

811-04146

Small Company Value Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

S000008278

12/31/2023

811-04146

Managed Volatility Balanced

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

Portfolio

 

64

S000008313

12/31/2023

811-04146

Small Cap Value Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

65

S000008222

12/31/2023

811-04146

Core Bond Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

66

S000008219

12/31/2023

811-04146

500 Index Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

67

S000032004

12/31/2023

811-04146

Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

68

S000017250

12/31/2023

811-04146

American Asset Allocation Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

69

S000008214

12/31/2023

811-04146

Total Bond Market Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

70

S000032005

12/31/2023

811-04146

Lifestyle Conservative Portfolio

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

71

S000008286

12/31/2023

811-04146

Mid Cap Growth Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

72

S000008240

12/31/2023

811-04146

High Yield Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

73

S000008343

12/31/2023

811-04146

Small Cap Stock Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

74

S000008311

12/31/2023

811-04146

Small Cap Index Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

75

S000008297

12/31/2023

811-04146

International Equity Index Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

76

S000008290

12/31/2023

811-04146

Money Market Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

77

S000008239

12/31/2023

811-04146

Health Sciences Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

78

S000032006

12/31/2023

811-04146

Lifestyle Growth Portfolio

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

79

S000017256

12/31/2023

811-04146

American Global Growth Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

80

S000008301

12/31/2023

811-04146

International Small Company Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

81

S000008285

12/31/2023

811-04146

Mid Cap Index Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

82

S000008233

12/31/2023

811-04146

Opportunistic Fixed Income Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

83

S000008340

12/31/2023

811-04146

Science & Technology Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

84

S000032007

12/31/2023

811-04146

Lifestyle Moderate Portfolio

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

85

S000008320

12/31/2023

811-04146

Strategic Income Opportunities Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

86

S000008289

12/31/2023

811-04146

Mid Value Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

87

S000008236

12/31/2023

811-04146

Active Bond Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

88

S000008217

12/31/2023

811-04146

Blue Chip Growth Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

89

S000008215

12/31/2023

811-04146

American Growth Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

90

S000026132

12/31/2023

811-04146

Select Bond Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

91

S000008247

12/31/2023

811-04146

American Growth-Income Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

92

S000008228

12/31/2023

811-04146

Equity Income Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

93

S000008325

12/31/2023

811-04146

Total Stock Market Index Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

94

S000008220

12/31/2023

811-04146

Capital Appreciation Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

April 28, 2021

Page 7 of 7

95

S000036499

12/31/2023

811-04146

Strategic Equity Allocation Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

96

S000008338

12/31/2023

811-04146

Real Estate Securities Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

97

S000008229

12/31/2023

811-04146

Financial Industries Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

98

S000017255

12/31/2023

811-04146

Emerging Markets Value Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

99

S000008321

12/31/2023

811-04146

Fundamental Large Cap Value Trust

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust