HFGO vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHFGOVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.59%0.03%
AUM$198M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings483,543
YTD Return+8.25%+13.39%
1Y Return+14.09%+23.21%
3Y Return (annualized)+23.97%+20.65%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.18%
Volatility (annualized)22.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-44.6%-56.6%
Fund FamilyHartford FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 9, 2021May 24, 2001

HFGO vs VTI Performance

Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HFGO returned +14.09% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, HFGO is up 8.25% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.

Over three years, HFGO compounded at +23.97% per year against +20.65% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, HFGO has the edge at +8.99% annualized vs +8.11%. 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFGO currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

35.0%overlap

HFGO and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HFGOWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA15.95%6.32%9.63%
AAPL6.34%5.84%0.50%
GOOGL9.12%2.88%6.24%
AVGOProProPro
MSFTProProPro
AMZNProProPro
LLYProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
SNDKProProPro
See all 10 holdings HFGO shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HFGO or VTI?

HFGO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HFGO or VTI?

Over the past year HFGO returned +14.09% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HFGO annualized +8.99% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HFGO or VTI?

HFGO has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: HFGO -44.6% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both HFGO and VTI?

HFGO and VTI 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 VTI?

HFGO and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 35.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HFGO or VTI?

HFGO yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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