HCRB vs. VTG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

HCRB (Hartford Core Bond ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. HCRB is actively managed, while VTG is passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HCRB charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

HCRB vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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 VTG's -0.11% return.

HCRB

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

VTG

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: -0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HCRB vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HCRB Hartford Core Bond ETF	0.41%	3.56%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.11%	2.88%

Correlation

The correlation between HCRB and VTG 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.96

Return for Risk

HCRB vs. VTG — 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

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. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Core Bond ETF (HCRB) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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	VTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.66	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HCRB	VTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	—	—
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	0.88	-0.74

Drawdowns

HCRB vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HCRB drawdown since its inception was -19.90%, which is greater than VTG's maximum drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HCRB and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HCRB	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.90%	-2.89%	-17.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	—	—
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%	-1.89%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.02%	-0.73%	-6.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HCRB	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.30%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.71%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.82%	3.51%	+0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.13%	3.51%	+2.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.96%	3.51%	+2.45%

HCRB vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

HCRB vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

HCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.18%, more than VTG's 3.21% 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%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.21%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HCRB and VTG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, HCRB and VTG 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 ETF is better, HCRB or VTG?

On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HCRB or VTG?

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

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

HCRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.18%, compared with 3.21% for VTG.

What is the main difference between HCRB and VTG?

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