FGUSX vs. FHCOX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FGUSX (Federated Hermes Government Ultrashort Fund) and FHCOX (Federated Hermes Conservative Microshort Fund) are both Ultrashort Bond funds from Federated. Over the past 3 years, FGUSX returned 4.67%/yr vs 4.98%/yr for FHCOX. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FGUSX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for FHCOX.

Performance

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes Government Ultrashort Fund (FGUSX) and Federated Hermes Conservative Microshort Fund (FHCOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FGUSX having a 1.49% return and FHCOX slightly higher at 1.54%.

FGUSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.49%
• 6M: 1.97%
• 1Y: 4.80%
• 3Y*: 4.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FHCOX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.54%
• 6M: 1.91%
• 1Y: 4.48%
• 3Y*: 4.98%
• 5Y*: 3.47%
• 10Y*: —

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

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FGUSX Federated Hermes Government Ultrashort Fund	1.49%	5.22%	4.67%	4.61%	0.33%
FHCOX Federated Hermes Conservative Microshort Fund	1.54%	4.94%	5.34%	4.80%	0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between FGUSX and FHCOX is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2022	0.33

Return for Risk

FGUSX vs. FHCOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGUSX

FGUSX Risk / Return Rank: 98
FGUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FGUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
FGUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
FGUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
FGUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

FHCOX

FHCOX Risk / Return Rank: 99
FHCOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FHCOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
FHCOX Omega Ratio Rank: 100
FHCOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
FHCOX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes Government Ultrashort Fund (FGUSX) and Federated Hermes Conservative Microshort Fund (FHCOX). 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.

	FGUSX	FHCOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.36	3.37	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	10.35	12.72	-2.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	3.31	4.67	-1.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	15.83	14.99	+0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	63.52	78.37	-14.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGUSX Sharpe Ratio is 3.36, which is comparable to the FHCOX Sharpe Ratio of 3.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGUSX and FHCOX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FGUSX	FHCOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.36	3.37	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	2.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.06	2.36	+0.69

Drawdowns

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGUSX drawdown since its inception was -0.31%, smaller than the maximum FHCOX drawdown of -0.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGUSX and FHCOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGUSX	FHCOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-0.59%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.30%	-0.30%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.31%	-0.50%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-0.59%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	0.00%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.06%	-0.10%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.08%	0.06%	+0.02%

Volatility

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Volatility Comparison

Federated Hermes Government Ultrashort Fund (FGUSX) has a higher volatility of 0.45% compared to Federated Hermes Conservative Microshort Fund (FHCOX) at 0.40%. This indicates that FGUSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FHCOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGUSX	FHCOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.45%	0.40%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.01%	0.91%	+0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43%	1.33%	+0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.57%	1.44%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.57%	1.40%	+0.17%

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGUSX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is higher than FHCOX's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FGUSX vs. FHCOX - Dividend Comparison

FGUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.37%, which matches FHCOX's 4.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FGUSX Federated Hermes Government Ultrashort Fund	4.37%	4.66%	4.56%	4.70%	0.33%	0.00%
FHCOX Federated Hermes Conservative Microshort Fund	4.38%	4.61%	4.99%	4.17%	1.26%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGUSX and FHCOX in my portfolio?

FGUSX and FHCOX have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FGUSX or FHCOX?

FGUSX has higher volatility (0.45%) compared to FHCOX (0.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGUSX dropped -0.31% vs FHCOX's -0.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FHCOX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.37 vs 3.36), 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.