HFSI vs. VGMS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HFSI (Hartford Strategic Income ETF) and VGMS (Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF) are both Multisector Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HFSI charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for VGMS.

Performance

HFSI vs. VGMS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFSI achieves a 1.38% return, which is significantly higher than VGMS's 1.06% return.

HFSI

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.87%
• YTD: 1.38%
• 6M: 1.51%
• 1Y: 8.47%
• 3Y*: 8.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGMS

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 1.06%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HFSI vs. VGMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	1.38%	6.40%
VGMS Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF	1.06%	5.44%

Correlation

The correlation between HFSI and VGMS is 0.77, 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 Jun 12, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

HFSI vs. VGMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFSI

HFSI Risk / Return Rank: 68
HFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
HFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
HFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 76
HFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
HFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VGMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) and Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS). 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.

	HFSI	VGMS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.57	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.78	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.13	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HFSI	VGMS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	2.11	-1.56

Drawdowns

HFSI vs. VGMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFSI drawdown since its inception was -19.34%, which is greater than VGMS's maximum drawdown of -2.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFSI and VGMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFSI	VGMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.34%	-2.46%	-16.88%
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	-0.20%	-0.39%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.72%	-0.31%	-5.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.76%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HFSI	VGMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.13%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.52%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.58%	3.21%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.97%	3.21%	+1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.97%	3.21%	+1.76%

HFSI vs. VGMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFSI has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VGMS's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFSI vs. VGMS - Dividend Comparison

HFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.54%, more than VGMS's 5.16% 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%
VGMS Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF	5.16%	2.94%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFSI and VGMS in my portfolio?

HFSI and VGMS have a correlation of 0.77, 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 VGMS?

On fees, VGMS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFSI or VGMS?

VGMS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HFSI.

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

HFSI has the higher dividend yield at 5.54%, compared with 5.16% for VGMS.

What is the main difference between HFSI and VGMS?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for HFSI and 0.30% for VGMS.