HCKAX vs. USA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HCKAX (Hartford Checks and Balances Fund) is Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Hartford, while USA (Liberty All-Star Equity Fund) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, HCKAX returned 9.32%/yr vs 12.16%/yr for USA. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

HCKAX vs. USA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX) and Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HCKAX achieves a 5.41% return, which is significantly higher than USA's -4.98% return. Over the past 10 years, HCKAX has underperformed USA with an annualized return of 9.32%, while USA has yielded a comparatively higher 12.16% annualized return.

HCKAX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 5.41%
• 6M: 4.73%
• 1Y: 15.32%
• 3Y*: 12.49%
• 5Y*: 6.71%
• 10Y*: 9.32%

USA

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: -4.98%
• 6M: -4.67%
• 1Y: -4.39%
• 3Y*: 7.02%
• 5Y*: 0.89%
• 10Y*: 12.16%

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

HCKAX vs. USA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HCKAX Hartford Checks and Balances Fund	5.41%	11.51%	12.99%	13.00%	-13.28%	14.28%	13.06%	22.40%	-3.65%	14.54%
USA Liberty All-Star Equity Fund	-4.98%	0.09%	20.81%	23.17%	-25.20%	33.76%	12.89%	39.70%	-5.06%	34.66%

Correlation

The correlation between HCKAX and USA is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2007	0.78

The correlation between HCKAX and USA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HCKAX vs. USA — Risk / Return Rank

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

HCKAX

HCKAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
HCKAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
HCKAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
HCKAX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
HCKAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
HCKAX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

USA

USA Risk / Return Rank: 28
USA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
USA Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
USA Omega Ratio Rank: 25
USA Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
USA Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. USA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX) and Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA). 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	USA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	-0.32	+2.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	-0.36	+3.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	0.96	+0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	-0.29	+2.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.19	-0.67	+11.86

HCKAX vs. USA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HCKAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the USA Sharpe Ratio of -0.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HCKAX and USA, 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. USA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCKAX drawdown since its inception was -41.69%, smaller than the maximum USA drawdown of -69.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCKAX and USA.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCKAX	USA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.69%	-69.15%	+27.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.45%	-15.28%	+8.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.07%	-17.69%	+6.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.29%	-34.05%	+13.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.91%	-47.07%	+20.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.00%	-10.08%	+9.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.14%	-11.51%	+6.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.44%	6.52%	-5.08%

Volatility

HCKAX vs. USA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX) is 3.00%, while Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA) has a volatility of 4.56%. This indicates that HCKAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than USA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HCKAX	USA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.00%	4.56%	-1.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.57%	10.82%	-4.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.33%	13.94%	-5.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.81%	20.31%	-9.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.60%	22.58%	-10.98%

Dividends

HCKAX vs. USA - Dividend Comparison

HCKAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.05%, less than USA's 12.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HCKAX Hartford Checks and Balances Fund	7.05%	7.43%	5.85%	4.57%	8.94%	6.33%	4.41%	7.45%	10.66%	13.93%	8.70%	12.58%
USA Liberty All-Star Equity Fund	12.04%	10.67%	10.22%	9.56%	12.11%	9.67%	9.13%	9.75%	12.64%	8.89%	9.30%	9.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCKAX and USA in my portfolio?

HCKAX and USA have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HCKAX or USA?

USA has higher volatility (4.56%) compared to HCKAX (3.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HCKAX dropped -41.69% vs USA's -69.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HCKAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs -0.32), 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.