HFCSX vs. VRTTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HFCSX (Hennessy Focus Fund) and VRTTX (Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - HFCSX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Hennessy, while VRTTX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, HFCSX returned 11.78%/yr vs 15.21%/yr for VRTTX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HFCSX charges 1.49%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTTX.

Performance

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hennessy Focus Fund (HFCSX) and Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFCSX achieves a 5.97% return, which is significantly lower than VRTTX's 10.07% return. Over the past 10 years, HFCSX has underperformed VRTTX with an annualized return of 11.78%, while VRTTX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.21% annualized return.

HFCSX

• 1D: -1.71%
• 1M: -2.11%
• YTD: 5.97%
• 6M: 2.39%
• 1Y: 18.78%
• 3Y*: 19.40%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

VRTTX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 25.50%
• 3Y*: 20.91%
• 5Y*: 12.27%
• 10Y*: 15.21%

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

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HFCSX Hennessy Focus Fund	5.97%	28.30%	14.67%	20.99%	-24.92%	32.04%	5.47%	34.96%	-10.93%	19.27%
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.07%	16.70%	23.72%	25.92%	-19.27%	25.48%	20.81%	31.03%	-5.29%	21.02%

Correlation

The correlation between HFCSX and VRTTX is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.83

Over the past year, the correlation between HFCSX and VRTTX has dropped to 0.58 - well below their long-term average of 0.83, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

HFCSX vs. VRTTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFCSX

HFCSX Risk / Return Rank: 11
HFCSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
HFCSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
HFCSX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
HFCSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
HFCSX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

VRTTX

VRTTX Risk / Return Rank: 63
VRTTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VRTTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VRTTX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VRTTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VRTTX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hennessy Focus Fund (HFCSX) and Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX). 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.

	HFCSX	VRTTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	2.10	-1.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	2.85	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.38	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	3.02	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.55	13.51	-10.96

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFCSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is lower than the VRTTX Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFCSX and VRTTX, 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

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFCSX drawdown since its inception was -59.41%, which is greater than VRTTX's maximum drawdown of -34.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFCSX and VRTTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFCSX	VRTTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.41%	-34.96%	-24.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.90%	-8.87%	-11.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.02%	-19.56%	-3.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.13%	-25.13%	-8.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.07%	-34.96%	-12.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.85%	-1.45%	-7.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.85%	-4.03%	-5.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.83%	1.98%	+6.85%

Volatility

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Volatility Comparison

Hennessy Focus Fund (HFCSX) has a higher volatility of 11.12% compared to Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) at 4.73%. This indicates that HFCSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VRTTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HFCSX	VRTTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.12%	4.73%	+6.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.27%	10.00%	+11.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.49%	12.79%	+16.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.07%	17.45%	+5.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.74%	18.46%	+4.28%

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFCSX has a 1.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTTX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFCSX vs. VRTTX - Dividend Comparison

HFCSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 45.73%, more than VRTTX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HFCSX Hennessy Focus Fund	45.73%	48.46%	15.94%	24.51%	15.15%	17.19%	35.80%	10.78%	22.20%	0.01%	0.00%	0.20%
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.04%	0.82%	1.20%	1.49%	1.54%	1.12%	1.38%	1.72%	1.96%	1.69%	1.89%	1.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFCSX and VRTTX in my portfolio?

HFCSX and VRTTX have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HFCSX or VRTTX?

HFCSX has higher volatility (11.12%) compared to VRTTX (4.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFCSX dropped -59.41% vs VRTTX's -34.96%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 0.77), 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.