HQGO vs SCHD
Hartford US Quality Growth ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. HQGO offers more diversification with 164 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HQGO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $51M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 164 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.89% | +29.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.37% | +31.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HQGO vs SCHD Performance
Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HQGO returned +19.37% while SCHD returned +31.45%. Year to date, HQGO is up 11.89% versus a gain of 29.07% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 12.9% for HQGO. 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 -20.9% for HQGO and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HQGO charges 0.34% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $6 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HQGO currently yields 0.46% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
HQGO and SCHD share 15 holdings out of 247 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HQGO or SCHD?
HQGO has an expense ratio of 0.34% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HQGO or SCHD?
Over the past year HQGO returned +19.37% vs +31.45% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HQGO annualized +21.78% vs +11.64% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HQGO or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 12.9% for HQGO. Worst drawdown: HQGO -20.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HQGO and SCHD?
HQGO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HQGO and SCHD?
HQGO and SCHD share 15 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 247 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HQGO or SCHD?
HQGO yields 0.46% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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