HFGO vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHFGOVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.59%0.05%
AUM$198M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings488,747
YTD Return+10.16%+14.57%
1Y Return+16.46%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.94%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)22.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-44.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHartford FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 9, 2021Jan 26, 2011

HFGO vs VXUS Performance

Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HFGO returned +16.46% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HFGO is up 10.16% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, HFGO compounded at +24.94% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, HFGO has the edge at +9.38% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

HFGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HFGO charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFGO currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

1.8%overlap

HFGO and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7904 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HFGOWeight in VXUSDifference
ASML:AS1.97%1.29%0.68%
SHOP:CA1.40%0.33%1.07%
CLS:CA1.24%0.07%1.17%
CCO:CAProProPro
See all 4 holdings HFGO shares with VXUS
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HFGO or VXUS?

HFGO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HFGO or VXUS?

Over the past year HFGO returned +16.46% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HFGO annualized +9.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HFGO or VXUS?

HFGO has been the more volatile fund at 22.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HFGO -44.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both HFGO and VXUS?

HFGO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HFGO and VXUS?

HFGO and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HFGO or VXUS?

HFGO yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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