HISCX vs. FGROX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HISCX (Hartford Small Cap Growth HLS Fund) and FGROX (Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, HISCX returned 11.35%/yr vs 16.88%/yr for FGROX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HISCX charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for FGROX.

Performance

HISCX vs. FGROX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Small Cap Growth HLS Fund (HISCX) and Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class (FGROX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HISCX achieves a 24.65% return, which is significantly lower than FGROX's 35.00% return. Over the past 10 years, HISCX has underperformed FGROX with an annualized return of 11.35%, while FGROX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.88% annualized return.

HISCX

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: 6.02%
• YTD: 24.65%
• 6M: 22.02%
• 1Y: 42.54%
• 3Y*: 17.75%
• 5Y*: 4.74%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

FGROX

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: 10.20%
• YTD: 35.00%
• 6M: 30.53%
• 1Y: 74.67%
• 3Y*: 32.48%
• 5Y*: 13.44%
• 10Y*: 16.88%

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

HISCX vs. FGROX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HISCX Hartford Small Cap Growth HLS Fund	24.65%	6.50%	13.13%	18.42%	-29.00%	4.25%	33.20%	35.53%	-11.71%	20.07%
FGROX Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class	35.00%	31.85%	20.04%	19.04%	-24.42%	3.91%	38.92%	28.71%	-11.85%	28.11%

Correlation

The correlation between HISCX and FGROX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2008	0.96

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

Return for Risk

HISCX vs. FGROX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HISCX

HISCX Risk / Return Rank: 60
HISCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
HISCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
HISCX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
HISCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
HISCX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

FGROX

FGROX Risk / Return Rank: 89
FGROX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FGROX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
FGROX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FGROX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FGROX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

HISCX vs. FGROX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Small Cap Growth HLS Fund (HISCX) and Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class (FGROX). 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.

	HISCX	FGROX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	2.94	-0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	3.59	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.45	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	5.43	-2.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.76	22.68	-9.93

HISCX vs. FGROX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HISCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is lower than the FGROX Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HISCX and FGROX, 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

HISCX vs. FGROX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HISCX drawdown since its inception was -82.02%, which is greater than FGROX's maximum drawdown of -41.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HISCX and FGROX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HISCX	FGROX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.02%	-41.48%	-40.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.26%	-14.36%	+1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.31%	-28.61%	-1.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.40%	-38.52%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.25%	-41.48%	+1.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.20%	-10.22%	-21.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	3.42%	+0.02%

Volatility

HISCX vs. FGROX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Small Cap Growth HLS Fund (HISCX) is 7.76%, while Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class (FGROX) has a volatility of 9.29%. This indicates that HISCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FGROX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HISCX	FGROX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.76%	9.29%	-1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.72%	20.49%	-3.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.77%	26.56%	-4.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.91%	25.84%	-1.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.95%	25.31%	-1.36%

HISCX vs. FGROX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HISCX has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is lower than FGROX's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

HISCX vs. FGROX - Dividend Comparison

HISCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.40%, more than FGROX's 8.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FGROX Emerald Growth Fund Institutional Class	8.44%	11.39%	13.92%	5.91%	8.13%	17.87%	8.04%	1.38%	11.36%	0.00%	0.00%
HISCX Hartford Small Cap Growth HLS Fund	19.40%	24.18%	0.29%	0.00%	22.03%	8.72%	2.93%	19.12%	7.80%	0.04%	4.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HISCX and FGROX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, HISCX and FGROX 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, HISCX or FGROX?

FGROX has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to HISCX (7.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HISCX dropped -82.02% vs FGROX's -41.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGROX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.02), 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.