HQGO vs SPY
Hartford US Quality Growth 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 | HQGO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $51M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 164 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.19% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.67% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HQGO vs SPY Performance
Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) 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 HQGO returned +21.67% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, HQGO is up 12.19% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HQGO charges 0.34% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $9 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HQGO currently yields 0.46% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HQGO and SPY share 118 holdings out of 548 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HQGO or SPY?
HQGO has an expense ratio of 0.34% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HQGO or SPY?
Over the past year HQGO returned +21.67% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HQGO annualized +21.98% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HQGO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for HQGO. Worst drawdown: HQGO -20.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HQGO and SPY?
HQGO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between HQGO and SPY?
HQGO and SPY share 118 common holdings with a 51.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HQGO or SPY?
HQGO yields 0.46% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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