HFGO vs. ILCG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

HFGO (Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF) and ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. HFGO is actively managed, while ILCG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HFGO returned 22.27%/yr vs 22.41%/yr for ILCG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HFGO charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ILCG.

Performance

HFGO vs. ILCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFGO achieves a 6.39% return, which is significantly lower than ILCG's 10.18% return.

HFGO

• 1D: -2.09%
• 1M: 0.22%
• 6M: 5.84%
• YTD: 6.39%
• 1Y: 16.22%
• 3Y*: 22.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILCG

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: 0.20%
• 6M: 8.25%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 1Y: 18.17%
• 3Y*: 22.41%
• 5Y*: 12.23%
• 10Y*: 17.52%

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

HFGO vs. ILCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HFGO Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF	6.39%	15.52%	40.73%	42.45%	-36.69%	-6.95%
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	10.18%	16.71%	32.82%	40.41%	-31.75%	-0.68%

Correlation

The correlation between HFGO and ILCG is 0.95 - 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2021	0.95

The correlation between HFGO and ILCG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

HFGO vs. ILCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HFGO	ILCG
Technology	55.3%	53.1%
Communication Services	19.7%	13.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	10.1%
Healthcare	7.2%	5.2%
Industrials	3.6%	7.7%
Financial Services	2.0%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	1.4%
Energy	0.5%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Real Estate	-	1.3%
Utilities	-	0.7%

Return for Risk

HFGO vs. ILCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFGO

HFGO Risk / Return Rank: 26
HFGO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
HFGO Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
HFGO Omega Ratio Rank: 27
HFGO Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
HFGO Martin Ratio Rank: 26

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 33
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

HFGO vs. ILCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG). 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.

	HFGO	ILCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.01	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.24	1.44	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.19	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	1.17	-0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.72	3.91	-1.19

HFGO vs. ILCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFGO Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is comparable to the ILCG Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFGO and ILCG, 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

HFGO vs. ILCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFGO drawdown since its inception was -44.64%, smaller than the maximum ILCG drawdown of -52.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFGO and ILCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFGO	ILCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.64%	-52.98%	+8.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.29%	-15.65%	-2.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.19%	-23.10%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.38%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.94%	-4.74%	-1.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.87%	-8.20%	-7.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.99%	4.66%	+1.33%

Volatility

HFGO vs. ILCG - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) have volatilities of 7.36% and 7.23%, 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

	HFGO	ILCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.36%	7.23%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.87%	15.08%	+0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.61%	18.10%	+1.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.95%	22.30%	+3.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.95%	21.65%	+4.30%

HFGO vs. ILCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFGO has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFGO vs. ILCG - Dividend Comparison

HFGO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ILCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HFGO Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	0.42%	0.47%	0.50%	0.69%	0.75%	0.34%	0.28%	0.54%	0.81%	0.89%	0.95%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFGO and ILCG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, HFGO and ILCG 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, HFGO or ILCG?

HFGO has higher volatility (7.36%) compared to ILCG (7.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFGO dropped -44.64% vs ILCG's -52.98%.

Which ETF is better, HFGO or ILCG?

On 3-year performance, ILCG leads with 22.41% vs 22.27% for HFGO. On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ILCG has been the lower-risk option at 7.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HFGO or ILCG?

Over the 3-year period, ILCG has performed better with a 22.41% return vs 22.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFGO or ILCG?

ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HFGO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HFGO or ILCG?

ILCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.00% for HFGO.

What is the main difference between HFGO and ILCG?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HFGO and 0.04% for ILCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ILCG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.01 vs 0.83), 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.