HTAB vs VYM
Hartford Schroders Tax-Aware Bond 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HTAB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $290M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.15% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.70% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.62% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.54% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.56% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HTAB vs VYM Performance
Hartford Schroders Tax-Aware Bond ETF (HTAB) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HTAB returned +5.62% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, HTAB is up 0.70% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, HTAB compounded at +3.54% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.56% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +1.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HTAB charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTAB currently yields 4.15% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HTAB and VYM share 0 holdings out of 703 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 VYM?
HTAB has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HTAB or VYM?
Over the past year HTAB returned +5.62% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), HTAB annualized +1.41% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HTAB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.3% for HTAB. Worst drawdown: HTAB -14.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HTAB and VYM?
HTAB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HTAB and VYM?
HTAB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 703 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HTAB or VYM?
HTAB yields 4.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HTAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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