HDGYX vs. HCKAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HDGYX (The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund) and HCKAX (Hartford Checks and Balances Fund) are both mutual funds - HDGYX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Hartford, while HCKAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Hartford. Over the past 10 years, HDGYX returned 13.25%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for HCKAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HDGYX charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.37%/yr for HCKAX.

Performance

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund (HDGYX) and Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HDGYX achieves a 8.55% return, which is significantly higher than HCKAX's 5.70% return. Over the past 10 years, HDGYX has outperformed HCKAX with an annualized return of 13.25%, while HCKAX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.15% annualized return.

HDGYX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 6M: 8.02%
• 1Y: 23.97%
• 3Y*: 15.39%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: 13.25%

HCKAX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 5.32%
• 1Y: 16.44%
• 3Y*: 12.15%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HDGYX The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund	8.55%	17.15%	12.41%	14.11%	-8.62%	31.32%	8.03%	31.88%	-5.44%	18.29%
HCKAX Hartford Checks and Balances Fund	5.70%	11.51%	12.99%	13.00%	-13.28%	14.28%	13.06%	22.40%	-3.65%	14.54%

Correlation

The correlation between HDGYX and HCKAX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2007	0.96

The correlation between HDGYX and HCKAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HDGYX vs. HCKAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HDGYX

HDGYX Risk / Return Rank: 64
HDGYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
HDGYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
HDGYX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
HDGYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
HDGYX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

HCKAX

HCKAX Risk / Return Rank: 53
HCKAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
HCKAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
HCKAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
HCKAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
HCKAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund (HDGYX) and Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX). 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.

	HDGYX	HCKAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.97	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	2.81	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.36	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	2.54	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.79	11.34	+1.45

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDGYX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the HCKAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDGYX and HCKAX, 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

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDGYX drawdown since its inception was -50.78%, which is greater than HCKAX's maximum drawdown of -41.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDGYX and HCKAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDGYX	HCKAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.78%	-41.69%	-9.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.00%	-6.45%	-1.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.70%	-11.07%	-2.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.79%	-20.29%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.98%	-26.91%	-8.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-0.73%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.81%	-5.14%	-0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.86%	1.44%	+0.42%

Volatility

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Volatility Comparison

The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund (HDGYX) has a higher volatility of 3.60% compared to Hartford Checks and Balances Fund (HCKAX) at 3.06%. This indicates that HDGYX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HCKAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HDGYX	HCKAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	3.06%	+0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.37%	6.58%	+1.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.00%	8.31%	+2.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.05%	10.82%	+3.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	11.60%	+5.03%

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDGYX has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than HCKAX's 0.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

HDGYX vs. HCKAX - Dividend Comparison

HDGYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.32%, more than HCKAX's 7.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HCKAX Hartford Checks and Balances Fund	7.03%	7.43%	5.85%	4.57%	8.94%	6.33%	4.41%	7.45%	10.66%	13.93%	8.70%	12.58%
HDGYX The Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund	11.32%	12.31%	10.61%	1.82%	6.08%	5.80%	3.61%	7.15%	12.64%	11.68%	4.92%	10.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDGYX and HCKAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, HDGYX and HCKAX 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, HDGYX or HCKAX?

HDGYX has higher volatility (3.60%) compared to HCKAX (3.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDGYX dropped -50.78% vs HCKAX's -41.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDGYX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.97), 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.