HLGE vs QQQ
Hartford Longevity Economy ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HLGE offers more diversification with 342 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HLGE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $13M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 342 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.20% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.26% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.26% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HLGE vs QQQ Performance
Hartford Longevity Economy ETF (HLGE) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HLGE returned +5.26% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, HLGE is up 2.20% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, HLGE compounded at +12.26% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 16.4% for HLGE. 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 -23.9% for HLGE and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HLGE charges 0.44% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $18 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HLGE currently yields 1.34% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HLGE or QQQ?
HLGE has an expense ratio of 0.44% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HLGE or QQQ?
Over the past year HLGE returned +5.26% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), HLGE annualized +7.02% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HLGE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.4% for HLGE. Worst drawdown: HLGE -23.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HLGE and QQQ?
HLGE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, HLGE or QQQ?
HLGE yields 1.34% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HLGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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