CPLB vs. HCRB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CPLB (NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF) and HCRB (Hartford Core Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CPLB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by NYLI, while HCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Hartford. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CPLB returned 5.66%/yr vs 4.46%/yr for HCRB. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CPLB charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for HCRB.

Performance

CPLB vs. HCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLB) and Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPLB achieves a 0.79% return, which is significantly higher than HCRB's 0.55% return.

CPLB

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 4.46%
• 3Y*: 5.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HCRB

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: 0.55%
• 6M: 0.65%
• 1Y: 4.51%
• 3Y*: 4.46%
• 5Y*: 0.12%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CPLB vs. HCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CPLB NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF	0.79%	7.76%	4.19%	7.16%	-14.44%	0.35%
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	0.55%	7.06%	2.23%	6.98%	-14.61%	-0.06%

Correlation

The correlation between CPLB and HCRB is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	0.87

The correlation between CPLB and HCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CPLB vs. HCRB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CPLB

CPLB Risk / Return Rank: 36
CPLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
CPLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
CPLB Omega Ratio Rank: 35
CPLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
CPLB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

HCRB

HCRB Risk / Return Rank: 34
HCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
HCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
HCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
HCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
HCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CPLB vs. HCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLB) and Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CPLB	HCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	1.21	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.80	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.21	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	1.61	+0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.99	4.58	+0.41

CPLB vs. HCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPLB Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is comparable to the HCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPLB and HCRB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CPLB vs. HCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPLB drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, roughly equal to the maximum HCRB drawdown of -19.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPLB and HCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPLB	HCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-19.90%	+0.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.60%	-2.82%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.90%	-6.18%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.15%	-1.49%	+0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.01%	-6.97%	-0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.90%	0.99%	-0.09%

Volatility

CPLB vs. HCRB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLB) is 0.99%, while Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) has a volatility of 1.10%. This indicates that CPLB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPLB	HCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.99%	1.10%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.79%	2.79%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.69%	3.75%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.02%	6.13%	-1.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.02%	5.94%	-0.92%

CPLB vs. HCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPLB has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than HCRB's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPLB vs. HCRB - Dividend Comparison

CPLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.49%, more than HCRB's 4.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
CPLB NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF	5.49%	5.46%	5.40%	4.82%	3.17%	0.95%	0.00%
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	4.17%	4.12%	4.15%	3.39%	2.18%	1.47%	1.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPLB and HCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, CPLB and HCRB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CPLB or HCRB?

HCRB has higher volatility (1.10%) compared to CPLB (0.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPLB dropped -18.96% vs HCRB's -19.90%.

Which ETF is better, CPLB or HCRB?

On 3-year performance, CPLB leads with 5.66% vs 4.46% for HCRB. On fees, HCRB is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, CPLB has been the lower-risk option at 0.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPLB or HCRB?

Over the 3-year period, CPLB has performed better with a 5.66% return vs 4.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPLB or HCRB?

HCRB is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for CPLB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPLB or HCRB?

CPLB has the higher dividend yield at 5.49%, compared with 4.17% for HCRB.

What is the main difference between CPLB and HCRB?

CPLB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while HCRB is Intermediate Core Bond. They also come from different issuers: NYLI and Hartford. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for CPLB and 0.29% for HCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPLB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.22 vs 1.21), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.