HTRB vs VOO
Hartford Total Return Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. HTRB offers more diversification with 1,811 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HTRB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,811 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.10% | +12.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.55% | +20.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.14% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.06% | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HTRB vs VOO Performance
Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HTRB returned +2.55% while VOO returned +20.22%. Year to date, HTRB is up 0.10% versus a gain of 12.38% for VOO.
Over three years, HTRB compounded at +5.14% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.06% and +12.84% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +0.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 5.9% for HTRB. 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 -21.1% for HTRB and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HTRB charges 0.29% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTRB currently yields 5.12% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HTRB and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1740 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HTRB | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUK | 0.01% | 0.15% | 0.14% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HTRB or VOO?
HTRB has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HTRB or VOO?
Over the past year HTRB returned +2.55% vs +20.22% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HTRB annualized +0.46% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HTRB or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.9% for HTRB. Worst drawdown: HTRB -21.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HTRB and VOO?
HTRB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HTRB and VOO?
HTRB and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1740 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HTRB or VOO?
HTRB yields 5.12% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HTRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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