HQGO 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

MetricHQGOVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.34%0.03%
AUM$48M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.46%1.07%
Holdings1643,543
YTD Return+13.36%+13.92%
1Y Return+23.34%+24.07%
3Y Return (annualized)-+20.88%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.47%
Volatility (annualized)13.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-20.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyHartford FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 5, 2023May 24, 2001

HQGO vs VTI Performance

Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HQGO returned +23.34% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, HQGO is up 13.36% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.0% for HQGO. 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 -20.9% for HQGO 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HQGO charges 0.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $3 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HQGO currently yields 0.46% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

48.0%overlap

HQGO and VTI share 147 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HQGOWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA5.31%6.32%1.01%
AAPL5.72%5.84%0.12%
AMZN4.54%3.17%1.37%
MSFTProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
AVGOProProPro
METAProProPro
LLYProProPro
TSLAProProPro
JPMProProPro
See all 10 holdings HQGO 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, HQGO or VTI?

HQGO has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HQGO or VTI?

Over the past year HQGO returned +23.34% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HQGO annualized +22.88% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HQGO or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for HQGO. Worst drawdown: HQGO -20.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both HQGO and VTI?

HQGO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 HQGO and VTI?

HQGO and VTI share 147 common holdings with a 48.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HQGO or VTI?

HQGO yields 0.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →