HCRB vs. BIV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

HCRB (Hartford Core Bond ETF) and BIV (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. HCRB is actively managed, while BIV is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HCRB returned 0.25%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for BIV. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HCRB charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BIV.

Performance

HCRB vs. BIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HCRB achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly higher than BIV's -0.02% return.

HCRB

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 5.49%
• 3Y*: 4.50%
• 5Y*: 0.25%
• 10Y*: —

BIV

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -0.04%
• YTD: -0.02%
• 6M: -0.05%
• 1Y: 5.02%
• 3Y*: 4.34%
• 5Y*: 0.39%
• 10Y*: 1.94%

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

HCRB vs. BIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	0.41%	7.06%	2.23%	6.98%	-14.61%	-1.79%	6.78%
BIV Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF	-0.02%	8.52%	1.57%	6.07%	-13.21%	-2.40%	6.96%

Correlation

The correlation between HCRB and BIV is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2020	0.95

The correlation between HCRB and BIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HCRB vs. BIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

HCRB

HCRB Risk / Return Rank: 39
HCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
HCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
HCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 39
HCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
HCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

BIV

BIV Risk / Return Rank: 32
BIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
BIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
BIV Omega Ratio Rank: 32
BIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
BIV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

HCRB vs. BIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV). 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.

	HCRB	BIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.24	+0.20
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	1.85	+0.30
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.22	+0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	1.49	+0.36
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.66	4.56	+1.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HCRB vs. BIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the BIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HCRB and BIV, 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

	HCRB	BIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	1.24	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.06	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.14	0.65	-0.51

Drawdowns

HCRB vs. BIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCRB drawdown since its inception was -19.90%, which is greater than BIV's maximum drawdown of -18.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCRB and BIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCRB	BIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.90%	-18.95%	-0.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-3.18%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.18%	-6.07%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.42%	-18.74%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.63%	-1.82%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.02%	-3.39%	-3.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	1.04%	-0.12%

Volatility

HCRB vs. BIV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) is 1.30%, while Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV) has a volatility of 1.38%. This indicates that HCRB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HCRB	BIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.30%	1.38%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.71%	2.92%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.82%	4.06%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.13%	6.40%	-0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.96%	5.50%	+0.46%

HCRB vs. BIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

HCRB has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than BIV's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HCRB vs. BIV - Dividend Comparison

HCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.18%, which matches BIV's 4.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIV Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF	4.21%	4.01%	3.79%	3.09%	2.41%	3.42%	2.95%	2.75%	2.88%	2.69%	3.01%	3.02%
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	4.18%	4.12%	4.15%	3.39%	2.18%	1.47%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCRB and BIV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, HCRB and BIV 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, HCRB or BIV?

BIV has higher volatility (1.38%) compared to HCRB (1.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HCRB dropped -19.90% vs BIV's -18.95%.

Which ETF is better, HCRB or BIV?

On 5-year performance, BIV leads with 0.39% vs 0.25% for HCRB. On fees, BIV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HCRB or BIV?

Over the 5-year period, BIV has performed better with a 0.39% return vs 0.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HCRB or BIV?

BIV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for HCRB.

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

BIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.21%, compared with 4.18% for HCRB.

What is the main difference between HCRB and BIV?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for HCRB and 0.03% for BIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HCRB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 1.24), 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.