HCAYX vs. VIIIX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

HCAYX (The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund) and VIIIX (Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both mutual funds - HCAYX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Hartford, while VIIIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, HCAYX returned 12.31%/yr vs 15.24%/yr for VIIIX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HCAYX charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for VIIIX.

Performance

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund (HCAYX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HCAYX achieves a 8.23% return, which is significantly lower than VIIIX's 10.74% return. Over the past 10 years, HCAYX has underperformed VIIIX with an annualized return of 12.31%, while VIIIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.24% annualized return.

HCAYX

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 1.65%
• 6M: 6.72%
• YTD: 8.23%
• 1Y: 15.77%
• 3Y*: 14.49%
• 5Y*: 8.45%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

VIIIX

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 1.60%
• 6M: 9.17%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 1Y: 21.05%
• 3Y*: 20.54%
• 5Y*: 13.47%
• 10Y*: 15.24%

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

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HCAYX The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund	8.23%	10.66%	20.31%	19.24%	-17.64%	15.56%	21.14%	35.95%	-4.83%	21.82%
VIIIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	10.74%	17.87%	26.29%	25.79%	-18.14%	28.69%	18.41%	31.48%	-4.41%	21.82%

Correlation

The correlation between HCAYX and VIIIX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 1997	0.92

The correlation between HCAYX and VIIIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HCAYX vs. VIIIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HCAYX

HCAYX Risk / Return Rank: 31
HCAYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
HCAYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
HCAYX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
HCAYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
HCAYX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VIIIX

VIIIX Risk / Return Rank: 57
VIIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VIIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VIIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VIIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VIIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund (HCAYX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX). 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.

	HCAYX	VIIIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.74	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	2.39	-0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.31	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	2.45	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	10.74	-3.96

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HCAYX Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is comparable to the VIIIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HCAYX and VIIIX, 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

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCAYX drawdown since its inception was -59.00%, which is greater than VIIIX's maximum drawdown of -55.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCAYX and VIIIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCAYX	VIIIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.00%	-55.18%	-3.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.10%	-8.90%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.15%	-18.75%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.48%	-24.50%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.31%	-33.79%	-2.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-0.86%	-0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.35%	-9.98%	-0.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.02%	+0.42%

Volatility

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Volatility Comparison

The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund (HCAYX) has a higher volatility of 3.51% compared to Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX) at 3.26%. This indicates that HCAYX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIIIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HCAYX	VIIIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.51%	3.26%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	10.00%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.84%	12.55%	+0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	17.00%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.96%	18.04%	-0.08%

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HCAYX has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VIIIX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

HCAYX vs. VIIIX - Dividend Comparison

HCAYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.08%, more than VIIIX's 2.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HCAYX The Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund	5.08%	5.50%	7.89%	0.41%	4.97%	13.12%	4.31%	7.95%	16.29%	13.10%	0.73%	8.62%
VIIIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	2.48%	2.11%	3.66%	2.66%	3.39%	4.79%	3.07%	2.86%	2.45%	1.84%	2.38%	2.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCAYX and VIIIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, HCAYX and VIIIX 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, HCAYX or VIIIX?

HCAYX has higher volatility (3.51%) compared to VIIIX (3.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HCAYX dropped -59.00% vs VIIIX's -55.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIIIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.29), 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.