HCRB vs. VCRB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

HCRB (Hartford Core Bond ETF) and VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HCRB returned 5.49% vs 5.68% for VCRB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HCRB charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VCRB.

Performance

HCRB vs. VCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB). 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 VCRB's 0.65% return.

HCRB

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

VCRB

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.65%
• 6M: 0.70%
• 1Y: 5.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HCRB vs. VCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	0.41%	7.06%	2.23%	0.45%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.65%	7.56%	2.21%	0.65%

Correlation

The correlation between HCRB and VCRB 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.96

The correlation between HCRB and VCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HCRB vs. VCRB — 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

VCRB

VCRB Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. VCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB). 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	VCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.55	-0.10
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	2.31	-0.15
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	2.09	-0.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.66	6.30	-0.64
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. VCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the VCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HCRB and VCRB, 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	VCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	1.55	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.14	0.95	-0.81

Drawdowns

HCRB vs. VCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCRB drawdown since its inception was -19.90%, which is greater than VCRB's maximum drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCRB and VCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCRB	VCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.90%	-4.59%	-15.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-2.63%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.63%	-1.22%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.02%	-1.16%	-5.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.87%	+0.05%

Volatility

HCRB vs. VCRB - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) has a higher volatility of 1.30% compared to Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) at 1.21%. This indicates that HCRB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HCRB	VCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.30%	1.21%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.71%	2.63%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.82%	3.69%	+0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.13%	4.74%	+1.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.96%	4.74%	+1.22%

HCRB vs. VCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

HCRB has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VCRB's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

HCRB vs. VCRB - Dividend Comparison

HCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.18%, less than VCRB's 4.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	4.18%	4.12%	4.15%	3.39%	2.18%	1.47%	1.81%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.59%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCRB and VCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, HCRB and VCRB 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 VCRB?

HCRB has higher volatility (1.30%) compared to VCRB (1.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HCRB dropped -19.90% vs VCRB's -4.59%.

Which ETF is better, HCRB or VCRB?

On 1-year performance, VCRB leads with 5.68% vs 5.49% for HCRB. On fees, VCRB is cheaper at 0.10% 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 VCRB?

Over the 1-year period, VCRB has performed better with a 5.68% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HCRB or VCRB?

VCRB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for HCRB.

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

VCRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 4.18% for HCRB.

What is the main difference between HCRB and VCRB?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for HCRB and 0.10% for VCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCRB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 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.