HCKAX vs. HDGYX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HCKAX (Hartford Checks and Balances Fund) and HDGYX (The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - HCKAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Hartford, while HDGYX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Hartford. Over the past 10 years, HCKAX returned 9.15%/yr vs 13.53%/yr for HDGYX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HCKAX charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for HDGYX.

Performance

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX) and The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund (HDGYX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HCKAX achieves a 5.70% return, which is significantly lower than HDGYX's 8.55% return. Over the past 10 years, HCKAX has underperformed HDGYX with an annualized return of 9.15%, while HDGYX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.53% annualized return.

HCKAX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 5.32%
• 1Y: 16.44%
• 3Y*: 12.15%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

HDGYX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 6M: 7.78%
• 1Y: 22.99%
• 3Y*: 16.15%
• 5Y*: 11.01%
• 10Y*: 13.53%

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

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HCKAX Hartford Checks and Balances Fund	5.70%	11.51%	12.99%	13.00%	-13.28%	14.28%	13.06%	22.40%	-3.65%	14.54%
HDGYX The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund	8.55%	17.15%	12.41%	14.11%	-8.62%	31.32%	8.03%	31.88%	-5.44%	18.29%

Correlation

The correlation between HCKAX and HDGYX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2007	0.96

The correlation between HCKAX and HDGYX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HCKAX vs. HDGYX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HCKAX

HCKAX Risk / Return Rank: 53
HCKAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
HCKAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
HCKAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
HCKAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
HCKAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

HDGYX

HDGYX Risk / Return Rank: 66
HDGYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
HDGYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
HDGYX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
HDGYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
HDGYX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX) and The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund (HDGYX). 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.

	HCKAX	HDGYX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.19	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	3.05	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	3.01	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.34	12.92	-1.58

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HCKAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the HDGYX Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HCKAX and HDGYX, 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

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCKAX drawdown since its inception was -41.69%, smaller than the maximum HDGYX drawdown of -50.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCKAX and HDGYX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCKAX	HDGYX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.69%	-50.78%	+9.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.45%	-8.00%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.07%	-13.70%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.29%	-18.79%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.91%	-34.98%	+8.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-0.84%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.14%	-5.81%	+0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.44%	1.86%	-0.42%

Volatility

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX) is 3.06%, while The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund (HDGYX) has a volatility of 3.53%. This indicates that HCKAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HDGYX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HCKAX	HDGYX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	3.53%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.58%	8.36%	-1.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.31%	11.02%	-2.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.82%	14.04%	-3.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.60%	16.63%	-5.03%

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HCKAX has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is lower than HDGYX's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

HCKAX vs. HDGYX - Dividend Comparison

HCKAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.03%, less than HDGYX's 11.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HCKAX Hartford Checks and Balances Fund	7.03%	7.43%	5.85%	4.57%	8.94%	6.33%	4.41%	7.45%	10.66%	13.93%	8.70%	12.58%
HDGYX The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund	11.32%	12.31%	10.61%	1.82%	6.08%	5.80%	3.61%	7.15%	12.64%	11.68%	4.92%	10.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCKAX and HDGYX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, HCKAX and HDGYX 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, HCKAX or HDGYX?

HDGYX has higher volatility (3.53%) compared to HCKAX (3.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HCKAX dropped -41.69% vs HDGYX's -50.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDGYX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.97), 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.