HQGO vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HQGO (Hartford US Quality Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - HQGO tracks the Hartford US Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, HQGO returned 25.94% vs 27.84% for VUG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HQGO charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

HQGO vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HQGO achieves a 10.17% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

HQGO

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 5.79%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 9.44%
• 1Y: 25.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

HQGO vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HQGO Hartford US Quality Growth ETF	10.17%	15.15%	25.09%	6.12%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	5.00%

Correlation

The correlation between HQGO and VUG is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.93

The correlation between HQGO and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

HQGO vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HQGO	VUG
Technology	39.1%	53.5%
Consumer Cyclical	14.1%	12.2%
Communication Services	13.4%	17.3%
Healthcare	9.0%	4.6%
Industrials	6.7%	3.6%
Financial Services	6.6%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	1.5%
Energy	4.2%	0.4%
Basic Materials	1.9%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.6%	1.0%
Utilities	0.1%	0.9%

Return for Risk

HQGO vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

HQGO

HQGO Risk / Return Rank: 56
HQGO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
HQGO Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
HQGO Omega Ratio Rank: 56
HQGO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
HQGO Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

HQGO vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	HQGO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.77	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.40	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.31	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	1.69	+0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.34	5.92	+4.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HQGO vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HQGO Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HQGO and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HQGO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	1.77	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.38	0.62	+0.76

Drawdowns

HQGO vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HQGO drawdown since its inception was -20.85%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HQGO and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HQGO	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.85%	-50.68%	+29.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.40%	-16.53%	+6.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.85%	-1.51%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.52%	-7.09%	+4.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	4.71%	-2.20%

Volatility

HQGO vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) is 2.66%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that HQGO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HQGO	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	3.83%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.95%	12.11%	-2.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.37%	15.84%	-2.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.99%	22.22%	-5.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.99%	21.44%	-4.45%

HQGO vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

HQGO has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HQGO vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

HQGO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HQGO Hartford US Quality Growth ETF	0.46%	0.51%	0.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HQGO and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, HQGO and VUG 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, HQGO or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to HQGO (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HQGO dropped -20.85% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, HQGO or VUG?

On 1-year performance, VUG leads with 27.84% vs 25.94% for HQGO. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, HQGO has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HQGO or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, VUG has performed better with a 27.84% return vs 25.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HQGO or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for HQGO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HQGO or VUG?

HQGO has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between HQGO and VUG?

HQGO tracks Hartford US Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for HQGO and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HQGO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.77), 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.