HFSI vs VTI
HFSI vs VTI
Hartford Strategic Income ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HFSI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.25% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,019 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.52% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.16% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.81% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
HFSI vs VTI Performance
Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HFSI returned +1.16% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, HFSI is down 1.52% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, HFSI compounded at +6.81% per year against +20.88% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.7% 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 -56.6% 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HFSI charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFSI currently yields 5.25% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HFSI and VTI share 7 holdings out of 3138 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 VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.03% | 0.32% | 0.29% |
| NEE | 0.04% | 0.25% | 0.21% |
| ARES | 0.25% | 0.03% | 0.22% |
| KKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PCG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BDX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| APTV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings HFSI shares with VTI 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 VTI?
HFSI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HFSI or VTI?
Over the past year HFSI returned +1.16% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HFSI annualized +1.83% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HFSI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.7% for HFSI. Worst drawdown: HFSI -19.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HFSI and VTI?
HFSI and VTI 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 VTI?
HFSI and VTI share 7 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HFSI or VTI?
HFSI yields 5.25% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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