HLGE vs VXUS
Hartford Longevity Economy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HLGE or VXUS?
Mid Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HLGE led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HLGE | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $13M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 342 | 8,747 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 14.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 4.3 years | $13,387Best | $12,089 |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 445 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. HLGE has data through Jun 23, 2025 and VXUS through Sep 11, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 17, 2021 to Jun 23, 2025 (4.3 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HLGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 14.9% for VXUS. 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 -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $5 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HLGE currently yields 1.34% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HLGE and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HLGE or VXUS?
HLGE has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $39 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, HLGE or VXUS?
HLGE has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HLGE -23.9% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both HLGE and VXUS?
HLGE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HLGE or VXUS?
HLGE yields 1.34% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HLGE?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HLGE led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.