HLGE vs SPY
Hartford Longevity Economy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HLGE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $13M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 342 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.20% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.26% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.26% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HLGE vs SPY Performance
Hartford Longevity Economy ETF (HLGE) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HLGE returned +5.26% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, HLGE is up 2.20% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, HLGE compounded at +12.26% per year against +22.10% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HLGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HLGE charges 0.44% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $9 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HLGE currently yields 1.34% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HLGE or SPY?
HLGE has an expense ratio of 0.44% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HLGE or SPY?
Over the past year HLGE returned +5.26% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), HLGE annualized +7.02% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HLGE or SPY?
HLGE has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HLGE -23.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HLGE and SPY?
HLGE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, HLGE or SPY?
HLGE yields 1.34% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HLGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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