HCRB vs QQQ
HCRB vs QQQ
Hartford Core Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HCRB offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HCRB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $401M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 852 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -2.84% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.09% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.36% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.98% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 19, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HCRB vs QQQ Performance
Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HCRB returned -0.09% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, HCRB is down 2.84% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, HCRB compounded at +3.36% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.98% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +0.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.3% for HCRB. 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 -19.9% for HCRB and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HCRB charges 0.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HCRB currently yields 4.03% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HCRB and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 715 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HCRB | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.04% | 0.19% | 0.15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HCRB or QQQ?
HCRB has an expense ratio of 0.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HCRB or QQQ?
Over the past year HCRB returned -0.09% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), HCRB annualized +0.20% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HCRB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.3% for HCRB. Worst drawdown: HCRB -19.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HCRB and QQQ?
HCRB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HCRB and QQQ?
HCRB and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 715 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCRB or QQQ?
HCRB yields 4.03% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so HCRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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