HFSI vs. VGHY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HFSI (Hartford Strategic Income ETF) and VGHY (Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HFSI is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Hartford, while VGHY is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HFSI charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for VGHY.

Performance

HFSI vs. VGHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) and Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFSI achieves a 1.45% return, which is significantly lower than VGHY's 1.72% return.

HFSI

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 1.45%
• 6M: 1.51%
• 1Y: 7.10%
• 3Y*: 8.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGHY

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 2.20%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HFSI vs. VGHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	1.45%	1.03%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	1.72%	1.77%

Correlation

The correlation between HFSI and VGHY is 0.57, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 17, 2025	0.57

Return for Risk

HFSI vs. VGHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFSI

HFSI Risk / Return Rank: 61
HFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
HFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
HFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 68
HFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
HFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

VGHY

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

HFSI vs. VGHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) and Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY). 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	VGHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.30	—	—

Drawdowns

HFSI vs. VGHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFSI drawdown since its inception was -19.34%, which is greater than VGHY's maximum drawdown of -2.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFSI and VGHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFSI	VGHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.34%	-2.66%	-16.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.06%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.11%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	-0.08%	-0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.66%	-0.44%	-5.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.76%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HFSI	VGHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.63%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.57%	4.25%	-0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.96%	4.25%	+0.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.96%	4.25%	+0.71%

HFSI vs. VGHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFSI has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VGHY's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFSI vs. VGHY - Dividend Comparison

HFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.54%, more than VGHY's 3.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	5.54%	5.67%	6.51%	5.77%	4.87%	0.71%
VGHY Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF	3.97%	1.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFSI and VGHY in my portfolio?

HFSI and VGHY have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HFSI or VGHY?

On fees, VGHY is cheaper at 0.22% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFSI or VGHY?

VGHY is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HFSI.

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

HFSI has the higher dividend yield at 5.54%, compared with 3.97% for VGHY.

What is the main difference between HFSI and VGHY?

HFSI is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while VGHY is High Yield Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for HFSI and 0.22% for VGHY.