HRAAX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

HRAAX (Hartford Growth Allocation Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, HRAAX returned 9.75%/yr vs 9.81%/yr for VBAIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HRAAX charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Growth Allocation Fund (HRAAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HRAAX achieves a 9.11% return, which is significantly higher than VBAIX's 6.84% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with HRAAX having a 9.75% annualized return and VBAIX not far ahead at 9.81%.

HRAAX

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 0.90%
• 6M: 7.03%
• YTD: 9.11%
• 1Y: 17.85%
• 3Y*: 15.90%
• 5Y*: 8.43%
• 10Y*: 9.75%

VBAIX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.91%
• 6M: 5.54%
• YTD: 6.84%
• 1Y: 14.37%
• 3Y*: 14.50%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: 9.81%

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

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HRAAX Hartford Growth Allocation Fund	9.11%	17.15%	17.00%	14.99%	-16.26%	13.52%	13.08%	22.02%	-7.40%	18.48%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	6.84%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between HRAAX and VBAIX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 1, 2004	0.96

The correlation between HRAAX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HRAAX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HRAAX

HRAAX Risk / Return Rank: 54
HRAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
HRAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
HRAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
HRAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
HRAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 62
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Growth Allocation Fund (HRAAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	HRAAX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.78	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	2.52	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.55	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.17	11.16	-0.98

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HRAAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HRAAX and VBAIX, 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

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HRAAX drawdown since its inception was -48.94%, which is greater than VBAIX's maximum drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HRAAX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HRAAX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.94%	-35.82%	-13.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.90%	-5.84%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.07%	-11.57%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.64%	-21.52%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.42%	-22.77%	-7.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-0.52%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.60%	-4.40%	-2.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	1.33%	+0.47%

Volatility

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Growth Allocation Fund (HRAAX) has a higher volatility of 2.99% compared to Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) at 2.16%. This indicates that HRAAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HRAAX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	2.16%	+0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.11%	6.78%	+2.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.98%	8.37%	+2.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.04%	11.18%	+1.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.76%	11.24%	+2.52%

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HRAAX has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

HRAAX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

HRAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.91%, more than VBAIX's 5.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HRAAX Hartford Growth Allocation Fund	9.91%	10.81%	4.68%	1.56%	6.56%	7.71%	4.06%	4.36%	3.88%	2.37%	0.43%	7.14%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.34%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HRAAX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, HRAAX and VBAIX 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, HRAAX or VBAIX?

HRAAX has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to VBAIX (2.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HRAAX dropped -48.94% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.67), 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.