HCRB vs SPY
HCRB vs SPY
Hartford Core Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. HCRB offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HCRB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $401M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 852 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.84% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.09% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.36% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.98% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 19, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HCRB vs SPY Performance
Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HCRB returned -0.09% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, HCRB is down 2.84% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, HCRB compounded at +3.36% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.98% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +0.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HCRB charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HCRB currently yields 4.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HCRB and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1115 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 SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.04% | 0.07% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HCRB or SPY?
HCRB has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HCRB or SPY?
Over the past year HCRB returned -0.09% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), HCRB annualized +0.20% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HCRB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.3% for HCRB. Worst drawdown: HCRB -19.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HCRB and SPY?
HCRB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HCRB and SPY?
HCRB and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1115 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCRB or SPY?
HCRB yields 4.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HCRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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