HFGO vs SPY
HFGO vs SPY
Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HFGO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $198M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.25% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.09% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.97% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 9, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HFGO vs SPY Performance
Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) 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 HFGO returned +14.09% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, HFGO is up 8.25% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, HFGO compounded at +23.97% per year against +20.98% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, HFGO has the edge at +8.99% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HFGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -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 0.91. 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 SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFGO currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HFGO and SPY share 27 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HFGO | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 15.95% | 7.31% | 8.64% |
| AAPL | 6.34% | 7.09% | 0.75% |
| GOOGL | 9.12% | 3.32% | 5.80% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings HFGO shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HFGO or SPY?
HFGO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HFGO or SPY?
Over the past year HFGO returned +14.09% vs +22.80% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HFGO annualized +8.99% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HFGO or SPY?
HFGO has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HFGO -44.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HFGO and SPY?
HFGO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 SPY?
HFGO and SPY share 27 common holdings with a 38.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HFGO or SPY?
HFGO yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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