HCRB vs. VGVT

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

HCRB (Hartford Core Bond ETF) and VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HCRB returned 3.80% vs 3.46% for VGVT. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HCRB charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VGVT.

Performance

HCRB vs. VGVT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HCRB achieves a -0.20% return, which is significantly lower than VGVT's -0.14% return.

HCRB

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -0.61%
• 6M: -0.43%
• YTD: -0.20%
• 1Y: 3.80%
• 3Y*: 4.22%
• 5Y*: -0.17%
• 10Y*: —

VGVT

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -0.33%
• 6M: -0.37%
• YTD: -0.14%
• 1Y: 3.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HCRB vs. VGVT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	-0.20%	3.95%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	-0.14%	3.56%

Correlation

The correlation between HCRB and VGVT is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.89

The correlation between HCRB and VGVT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HCRB vs. VGVT — Risk / Return Rank

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

HCRB

HCRB Risk / Return Rank: 33
HCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
HCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
HCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 31
HCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
HCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 32

VGVT

VGVT Risk / Return Rank: 34
VGVT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VGVT Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VGVT Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VGVT Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VGVT Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. VGVT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT). 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.

	HCRB	VGVT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	1.07	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	1.60	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.19	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	1.25	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.73	3.30	+0.43

HCRB vs. VGVT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.02, which is comparable to the VGVT Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HCRB and VGVT, 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

HCRB vs. VGVT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCRB drawdown since its inception was -19.90%, which is greater than VGVT's maximum drawdown of -2.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCRB and VGVT.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCRB	VGVT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.90%	-2.77%	-17.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-2.77%	-0.05%
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	-2.23%	-2.00%	-0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.93%	-0.77%	-6.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	1.05%	-0.03%

Volatility

HCRB vs. VGVT - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) has a higher volatility of 1.23% compared to Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) at 1.02%. This indicates that HCRB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGVT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HCRB	VGVT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	1.02%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	2.49%	+0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.76%	3.24%	+0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.13%	3.25%	+2.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.93%	3.25%	+2.68%

HCRB vs. VGVT - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

HCRB vs. VGVT - Dividend Comparison

HCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.24%, less than VGVT's 4.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	4.24%	4.12%	4.15%	3.39%	2.18%	1.47%	1.81%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	4.38%	2.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCRB and VGVT in my portfolio?

HCRB and VGVT have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HCRB or VGVT?

HCRB has higher volatility (1.23%) compared to VGVT (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HCRB dropped -19.90% vs VGVT's -2.77%.

Which ETF is better, HCRB or VGVT?

On 1-year performance, HCRB leads with 3.80% vs 3.46% for VGVT. On fees, VGVT is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VGVT has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HCRB or VGVT?

Over the 1-year period, HCRB has performed better with a 3.80% return vs 3.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HCRB or VGVT?

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

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

VGVT has the higher dividend yield at 4.38%, compared with 4.24% for HCRB.

What is the main difference between HCRB and VGVT?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGVT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs 1.02), 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.