HQGO vs VYM
Hartford US Quality Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HQGO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $51M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 164 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.19% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.67% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HQGO vs VYM Performance
Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HQGO returned +21.67% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, HQGO is up 12.19% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HQGO charges 0.34% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $4 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HQGO currently yields 0.46% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HQGO and VYM share 58 holdings out of 707 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HQGO or VYM?
HQGO has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HQGO or VYM?
Over the past year HQGO returned +21.67% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HQGO annualized +21.98% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HQGO or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.9% for HQGO. Worst drawdown: HQGO -20.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HQGO and VYM?
HQGO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HQGO and VYM?
HQGO and VYM share 58 common holdings with a 19.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 707 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HQGO or VYM?
HQGO yields 0.46% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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