HGRO vs VTI
Hedgeye Quality Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HGRO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $129M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.35% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.44% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Hedgeye Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
HGRO vs VTI Performance
Hedgeye Quality Growth ETF (HGRO) is a ETF from Hedgeye Asset Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HGRO returned +15.44% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, HGRO is up 8.35% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.8% for HGRO. 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 -7.6% for HGRO 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HGRO charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGRO currently yields 0.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HGRO and VTI share 45 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HGRO or VTI?
HGRO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HGRO or VTI?
Over the past year HGRO returned +15.44% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HGRO annualized +19.59% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HGRO or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.8% for HGRO. Worst drawdown: HGRO -7.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HGRO and VTI?
HGRO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 HGRO and VTI?
HGRO and VTI share 45 common holdings with a 35.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HGRO or VTI?
HGRO yields 0.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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