HFGO vs. IUSG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HFGO (Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF) and IUSG (iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. HFGO is actively managed, while IUSG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HFGO returned 23.40%/yr vs 25.00%/yr for IUSG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HFGO charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for IUSG.

Performance

HFGO vs. IUSG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFGO achieves a 4.25% return, which is significantly lower than IUSG's 9.19% return.

HFGO

• 1D: -2.73%
• 1M: -2.99%
• YTD: 4.25%
• 6M: 2.71%
• 1Y: 20.30%
• 3Y*: 23.40%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IUSG

• 1D: -2.31%
• 1M: -1.86%
• YTD: 9.19%
• 6M: 7.87%
• 1Y: 26.96%
• 3Y*: 25.00%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: 17.77%

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

HFGO vs. IUSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HFGO Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF	4.25%	15.52%	40.73%	42.45%	-36.69%	-6.95%
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	9.19%	21.23%	34.70%	29.28%	-28.81%	1.86%

Correlation

The correlation between HFGO and IUSG 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
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	0.94

The correlation between HFGO and IUSG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

HFGO vs. IUSG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HFGO	IUSG
Technology	55.3%	50.8%
Communication Services	19.7%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	8.4%
Healthcare	7.2%	6.4%
Industrials	3.6%	6.6%
Financial Services	2.0%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	1.2%
Energy	0.5%	0.3%
Basic Materials	-	0.5%
Real Estate	-	0.8%
Utilities	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

HFGO vs. IUSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFGO

HFGO Risk / Return Rank: 28
HFGO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
HFGO Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
HFGO Omega Ratio Rank: 29
HFGO Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
HFGO Martin Ratio Rank: 28

IUSG

IUSG Risk / Return Rank: 47
IUSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
IUSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IUSG Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IUSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IUSG Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. IUSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) and iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG). 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	IUSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	1.60	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	2.20	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.28	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.11	2.07	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.50	8.45	-4.95

HFGO vs. IUSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFGO Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the IUSG Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFGO and IUSG, 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. IUSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFGO drawdown since its inception was -44.64%, smaller than the maximum IUSG drawdown of -63.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFGO and IUSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFGO	IUSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.64%	-63.41%	+18.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.29%	-13.07%	-5.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.19%	-22.28%	-2.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.83%	-5.23%	-2.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.98%	-21.40%	+5.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.82%	3.20%	+2.62%

Volatility

HFGO vs. IUSG - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) has a higher volatility of 8.43% compared to iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) at 7.16%. This indicates that HFGO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IUSG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HFGO	IUSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.43%	7.16%	+1.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.45%	13.66%	+1.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.44%	16.92%	+2.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.01%	21.06%	+4.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.01%	20.48%	+5.53%

HFGO vs. IUSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

HFGO vs. IUSG - Dividend Comparison

HFGO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%.

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%
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	0.50%	0.53%	0.59%	1.12%	1.07%	0.59%	0.93%	1.64%	1.32%	1.28%	1.48%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFGO and IUSG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, HFGO and IUSG 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 IUSG?

HFGO has higher volatility (8.43%) compared to IUSG (7.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFGO dropped -44.64% vs IUSG's -63.41%.

Which ETF is better, HFGO or IUSG?

On 3-year performance, IUSG leads with 25.00% vs 23.40% for HFGO. On fees, IUSG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, IUSG has been the lower-risk option at 7.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HFGO or IUSG?

Over the 3-year period, IUSG has performed better with a 25.00% return vs 23.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFGO or IUSG?

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

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

IUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.00% for HFGO.

What is the main difference between HFGO and IUSG?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.05), 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.