HCRB vs. HTRB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

HCRB (Hartford Core Bond ETF) and HTRB (Hartford Total Return Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Hartford, while HTRB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Hartford. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, HCRB returned 0.25%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for HTRB. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.29% expense ratio.

Performance

HCRB vs. HTRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB). 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 lower than HTRB's 0.50% return.

HCRB

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

HTRB

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 5.87%
• 3Y*: 4.72%
• 5Y*: 0.52%
• 10Y*: —

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

HCRB vs. HTRB - 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%
HTRB Hartford Total Return Bond ETF	0.50%	7.38%	2.35%	7.15%	-14.36%	-0.80%	6.39%

Correlation

The correlation between HCRB and HTRB is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2020	0.91

The correlation between HCRB and HTRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HCRB vs. HTRB — 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

HTRB

HTRB Risk / Return Rank: 41
HTRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
HTRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
HTRB Omega Ratio Rank: 42
HTRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
HTRB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. HTRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB). 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	HTRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.53	-0.08
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.30	-0.14
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.28	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	1.97	-0.11
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.66	5.88	-0.22
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. HTRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the HTRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HCRB and HTRB, 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	HTRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	1.53	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.09	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.14	0.40	-0.26

Drawdowns

HCRB vs. HTRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCRB drawdown since its inception was -19.90%, roughly equal to the maximum HTRB drawdown of -19.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCRB and HTRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCRB	HTRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.90%	-19.48%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-2.82%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.18%	-6.52%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.42%	-19.48%	+0.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.63%	-1.32%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.02%	-4.81%	-2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.94%	-0.02%

Volatility

HCRB vs. HTRB - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB) have volatilities of 1.30% and 1.31%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HCRB	HTRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.30%	1.31%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.71%	2.74%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.82%	3.86%	-0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.13%	6.12%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.96%	5.57%	+0.39%

HCRB vs. HTRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both HCRB and HTRB have an expense ratio of 0.29%.

Dividends

HCRB vs. HTRB - Dividend Comparison

HCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.18%, less than HTRB's 4.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
HTRB Hartford Total Return Bond ETF	4.62%	4.66%	4.45%	3.87%	3.08%	4.22%	4.79%	6.30%	2.37%	0.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCRB and HTRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, HCRB and HTRB 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 HTRB?

HTRB has higher volatility (1.31%) compared to HCRB (1.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HCRB dropped -19.90% vs HTRB's -19.48%.

Which ETF is better, HCRB or HTRB?

On 5-year performance, HTRB leads with 0.52% vs 0.25% for HCRB. Both ETFs have the same 0.29% expense ratio. 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 HTRB?

Over the 5-year period, HTRB has performed better with a 0.52% 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 HTRB?

HCRB and HTRB have the same expense ratio: 0.29% per year.

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

HTRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.62%, compared with 4.18% for HCRB.

What is the main difference between HCRB and HTRB?

HCRB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while HTRB is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HTRB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 1.45), 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.