HTRB vs VTI
HTRB vs VTI
Hartford Total Return Bond 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 | HTRB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.03% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,818 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.03% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.49% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.18% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
HTRB vs VTI Performance
Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HTRB returned +3.03% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, HTRB is down 0.55% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, HTRB compounded at +4.49% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.18% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +0.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 5.9% for HTRB. 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 -21.1% for HTRB 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HTRB charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTRB currently yields 5.03% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HTRB or VTI?
HTRB has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HTRB or VTI?
Over the past year HTRB returned +3.03% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HTRB annualized +0.39% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HTRB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 5.9% for HTRB. Worst drawdown: HTRB -21.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HTRB and VTI?
HTRB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HTRB and VTI?
HTRB and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4372 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HTRB or VTI?
HTRB yields 5.03% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HTRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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