HDUS vs. RAFE

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

HDUS (Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - HDUS tracks the Hartford Disciplined US Equity Index while RAFE tracks the RAFI ESG US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HDUS returned 19.47%/yr vs 19.09%/yr for RAFE. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HDUS charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

HDUS vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (HDUS) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HDUS achieves a 7.54% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 13.50% return.

HDUS

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: -2.00%
• YTD: 7.54%
• 6M: 6.13%
• 1Y: 20.62%
• 3Y*: 19.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 13.50%
• 6M: 12.30%
• 1Y: 28.30%
• 3Y*: 19.09%
• 5Y*: 11.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

HDUS vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
HDUS Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF	7.54%	17.17%	23.57%	21.17%	-1.39%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	13.50%	17.60%	13.81%	18.80%	-1.79%

Correlation

The correlation between HDUS and RAFE is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2022	0.89

The correlation between HDUS and RAFE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HDUS vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

HDUS

HDUS Risk / Return Rank: 66
HDUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
HDUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
HDUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
HDUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
HDUS Martin Ratio Rank: 75

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 84
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

HDUS vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (HDUS) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). 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.

	HDUS	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	2.48	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.46	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.44	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	3.81	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.28	14.74	-2.46

HDUS vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is comparable to the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDUS and RAFE, 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

HDUS vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDUS drawdown since its inception was -17.94%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDUS and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDUS	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.94%	-35.74%	+17.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.48%	-7.46%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	-16.36%	-1.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.77%	-1.21%	-2.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.03%	-6.17%	+4.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.68%	1.93%	-0.25%

Volatility

HDUS vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF (HDUS) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) have volatilities of 3.78% and 3.71%, 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

	HDUS	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	3.71%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.67%	8.70%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.29%	11.51%	-0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.16%	15.10%	-0.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.16%	19.39%	-5.23%

HDUS vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDUS has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

HDUS vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

HDUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, less than RAFE's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HDUS Hartford Disciplined US Equity ETF	1.36%	1.45%	1.58%	1.36%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDUS and RAFE in my portfolio?

HDUS and RAFE have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HDUS or RAFE?

HDUS has higher volatility (3.78%) compared to RAFE (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDUS dropped -17.94% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, HDUS or RAFE?

On 3-year performance, HDUS leads with 19.47% vs 19.09% for RAFE. On fees, HDUS is cheaper at 0.19% 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, HDUS or RAFE?

Over the 3-year period, HDUS has performed better with a 19.47% return vs 19.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDUS or RAFE?

HDUS is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for RAFE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HDUS or RAFE?

RAFE has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 1.36% for HDUS.

What is the main difference between HDUS and RAFE?

HDUS tracks Hartford Disciplined US Equity Index, while RAFE tracks RAFI ESG US Index. They also come from different issuers: Hartford and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for HDUS and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.84), 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.