HGER vs VTI
Harbor Commodity All Weather Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. HGER delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HGER | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.48% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +41.51% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.04% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.68% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
HGER vs VTI Performance
Harbor Commodity All Weather Strategy ETF (HGER) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HGER returned +53.04% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, HGER is up 41.51% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, HGER compounded at +22.68% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, HGER has the edge at +17.40% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 13.7% for HGER. 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 -23.3% for HGER 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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HGER charges 0.68% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGER currently yields 5.48% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HGER or VTI?
HGER has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HGER or VTI?
Over the past year HGER returned +53.04% vs +21.39% for VTI, so HGER leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HGER annualized +17.40% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HGER or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for HGER. Worst drawdown: HGER -23.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HGER and VTI?
HGER and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, HGER or VTI?
HGER yields 5.48% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HGER currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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