HFGO vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHFGOQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.59%0.18%
AUM$198M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings48108
YTD Return+10.16%+18.20%
1Y Return+16.46%+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.94%+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)22.7%30.6%
Max Drawdown-44.6%-83.0%
Fund FamilyHartford FundsInvesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 9, 2021Mar 10, 1999

HFGO vs QQQ Performance

Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HFGO returned +16.46% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, HFGO is up 10.16% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Over three years, HFGO compounded at +24.94% per year against +25.54% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +9.38%. 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 22.7% for HFGO. 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 -44.6% for HFGO 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HFGO charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFGO currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

45.0%overlap

HFGO and QQQ share 22 holdings out of 128 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HFGOWeight in QQQDifference
NVDA15.95%7.88%8.07%
AAPL6.34%7.46%1.12%
GOOGL9.12%3.29%5.83%
MSFTProProPro
AVGOProProPro
AMZNProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
AMDProProPro
GOOGProProPro
See all 10 holdings HFGO shares with QQQ
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HFGO or QQQ?

HFGO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HFGO or QQQ?

Over the past year HFGO returned +16.46% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HFGO annualized +9.38% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HFGO or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.7% for HFGO. Worst drawdown: HFGO -44.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both HFGO and QQQ?

HFGO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between HFGO and QQQ?

HFGO and QQQ share 22 common holdings with a 45.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HFGO or QQQ?

HFGO yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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