HFSI vs. FLXR

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

HFSI (Hartford Strategic Income ETF) and FLXR (TCW Flexible Income ETF) are both Multisector Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HFSI returned 4.43% vs 4.12% for FLXR. Their 0.72 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. HFSI charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for FLXR.

Performance

HFSI vs. FLXR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) and TCW Flexible Income ETF (FLXR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFSI achieves a 0.81% return, which is significantly lower than FLXR's 1.30% return.

HFSI

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.76%
• 6M: 0.16%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 1Y: 4.43%
• 3Y*: 7.81%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 2.56%

FLXR

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.36%
• 6M: 0.92%
• YTD: 1.30%
• 1Y: 4.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 6.72%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FLXR TCW Flexible Income ETF	$14.67M	$16.19M	$17.11M
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	$14.74M	$13.01M	$8.34M

HFSI vs. FLXR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	0.81%	9.56%	5.06%
FLXR TCW Flexible Income ETF	1.30%	8.37%	4.42%

Correlation

The correlation between HFSI and FLXR is 0.74, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2024	0.72

The correlation between HFSI and FLXR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HFSI vs. FLXR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

HFSI

HFSI Risk / Return Rank: 59
HFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
HFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
HFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 64
HFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
HFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

FLXR

FLXR Risk / Return Rank: 85
FLXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
FLXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FLXR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FLXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
FLXR Martin Ratio Rank: 87

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

HFSI vs. FLXR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) and TCW Flexible Income ETF (FLXR). 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.

	HFSI	FLXR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.95	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.84	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.36	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	3.10	-1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.35	12.66	-6.31

HFSI vs. FLXR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the FLXR Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFSI and FLXR, 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

HFSI vs. FLXR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFSI drawdown since its inception was -19.34%, which is greater than FLXR's maximum drawdown of -1.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFSI and FLXR.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFSI	FLXR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.34%	-1.94%	-17.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.06%	-1.46%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.08%	-0.46%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.55%	-0.35%	-5.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.79%	0.36%	+0.43%

Volatility

HFSI vs. FLXR - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) has a higher volatility of 0.86% compared to TCW Flexible Income ETF (FLXR) at 0.67%. This indicates that HFSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLXR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HFSI	FLXR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.86%	0.67%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.72%	1.85%	+0.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.42%	2.33%	+1.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.92%	2.79%	+2.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.92%	2.79%	+2.13%

HFSI vs. FLXR - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFSI has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than FLXR's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFSI vs. FLXR - Dividend Comparison

HFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.62%, less than FLXR's 5.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FLXR TCW Flexible Income ETF	5.47%	5.66%	3.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	5.62%	5.67%	6.51%	5.77%	4.87%	0.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFSI and FLXR in my portfolio?

HFSI and FLXR have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HFSI or FLXR?

HFSI has higher volatility (0.86%) compared to FLXR (0.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFSI dropped -19.34% vs FLXR's -1.94%.

Which ETF is better, HFSI or FLXR?

On 1-year performance, HFSI leads with 4.43% vs 4.12% for FLXR. On fees, FLXR is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, FLXR has been the lower-risk option at 0.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HFSI or FLXR?

Over the 1-year period, HFSI has performed better with a 4.43% return vs 4.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFSI or FLXR?

FLXR is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HFSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HFSI or FLXR?

HFSI has the higher dividend yield at 5.62%, compared with 5.47% for FLXR.

What is the main difference between HFSI and FLXR?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and TCW. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for HFSI and 0.40% for FLXR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.47), 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.