HLGE vs VYM
Hartford Longevity Economy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HLGE or VYM?
Mid Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
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 | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $13M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 342 | 613 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 14.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.3 years | $13,387 | $14,802Best |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 444 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 VYM through Sep 10, 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 14.3% for VYM. 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 -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
HLGE charges 0.44% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $4 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HLGE currently yields 1.34% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HLGE and VYM 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 VYM?
HLGE has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $40 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, HLGE or VYM?
HLGE has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.3% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HLGE -23.9% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both HLGE and VYM?
HLGE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HLGE or VYM?
HLGE yields 1.34% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HLGE?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.