HTAB vs VTI
Hartford Schroders Tax-Aware Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HTAB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $290M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.15% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.81% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.73% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.57% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
HTAB vs VTI Performance
Hartford Schroders Tax-Aware Bond ETF (HTAB) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HTAB returned +5.73% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, HTAB is up 0.81% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, HTAB compounded at +3.51% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.57% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.3% for HTAB. 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 -14.8% for HTAB and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HTAB charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTAB currently yields 4.15% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HTAB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2928 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HTAB or VTI?
HTAB has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HTAB or VTI?
Over the past year HTAB returned +5.73% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), HTAB annualized +1.42% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HTAB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.3% for HTAB. Worst drawdown: HTAB -14.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HTAB and VTI?
HTAB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HTAB and VTI?
HTAB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2928 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HTAB or VTI?
HTAB yields 4.15% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HTAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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