HFSI vs. VMAX

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

HFSI (Hartford Strategic Income ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HFSI is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Hartford, while VMAX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Hartford. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HFSI returned 4.70% vs 31.16% for VMAX. Their 0.30 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. HFSI charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VMAX.

Performance

HFSI vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFSI achieves a 1.08% return, which is significantly lower than VMAX's 18.73% return.

HFSI

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -0.50%
• 6M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.08%
• 1Y: 4.70%
• 3Y*: 7.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 2.61%

VMAX

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 2.72%
• 6M: 13.64%
• YTD: 18.73%
• 1Y: 31.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.61%

*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)
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	$11.57M	$12.84M	$8.48M
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	$16.61K	$9.61K	$6.33K

HFSI vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	1.08%	9.56%	7.91%	3.01%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	18.73%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between HFSI and VMAX is 0.35, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.30

Return for Risk

HFSI vs. VMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFSI

HFSI Risk / Return Rank: 52
HFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
HFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
HFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 56
HFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
HFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 94
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). 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	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	2.62	-1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	3.57	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.47	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.54	6.35	-4.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.96	23.40	-17.44

HFSI vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is lower than the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFSI and VMAX, 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. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFSI drawdown since its inception was -19.34%, roughly equal to the maximum VMAX drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFSI and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFSI	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.34%	-19.05%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.06%	-4.93%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	0.00%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.54%	-2.43%	-3.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.79%	1.33%	-0.54%

Volatility

HFSI vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Strategic Income ETF (HFSI) is 0.91%, while Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) has a volatility of 2.51%. This indicates that HFSI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HFSI	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.91%	2.51%	-1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.72%	8.30%	-5.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.39%	11.99%	-8.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.92%	15.17%	-10.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.92%	15.17%	-10.25%

HFSI vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFSI has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VMAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFSI vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

HFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.61%, more than VMAX's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HFSI Hartford Strategic Income ETF	5.61%	5.67%	6.51%	5.77%	4.87%	0.71%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.82%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFSI and VMAX in my portfolio?

HFSI and VMAX have a correlation of 0.35, 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 VMAX?

VMAX has higher volatility (2.51%) compared to HFSI (0.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFSI dropped -19.34% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, HFSI or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 31.16% vs 4.70% for HFSI. On fees, VMAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, HFSI has been the lower-risk option at 0.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HFSI or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 31.16% return vs 4.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFSI or VMAX?

VMAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HFSI.

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

HFSI has the higher dividend yield at 5.61%, compared with 1.82% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between HFSI and VMAX?

HFSI is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while VMAX is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for HFSI and 0.29% for VMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs 1.39), 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.