HFSI vs SPY
HFSI vs SPY
Hartford Strategic Income 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 | HFSI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.25% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,019 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.23% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.04% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.44% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HFSI vs SPY Performance
Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) 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 HFSI returned +1.04% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, HFSI is down 2.23% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, HFSI compounded at +6.44% per year against +19.33% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +1.69%. 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 6.8% for HFSI. 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 -19.3% for HFSI 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HFSI charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFSI currently yields 5.25% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HFSI and SPY share 7 holdings out of 858 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HFSI | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.03% | 0.38% | 0.35% |
| NEE | 0.04% | 0.28% | 0.24% |
| ARES | 0.25% | 0.04% | 0.21% |
| KKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PCG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BDX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| APTV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings HFSI 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, HFSI or SPY?
HFSI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HFSI or SPY?
Over the past year HFSI returned +1.04% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HFSI annualized +1.69% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HFSI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.8% for HFSI. Worst drawdown: HFSI -19.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HFSI and SPY?
HFSI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HFSI and SPY?
HFSI and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 858 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HFSI or SPY?
HFSI yields 5.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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