HRZN vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

HRZN (Horizon Technology Finance Corporation) is a stock, while VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) is S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, HRZN returned 2.29%/yr vs 15.60%/yr for VOO. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

HRZN vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HRZN achieves a -20.19% return, which is significantly lower than VOO's 8.08% return. Over the past 10 years, HRZN has underperformed VOO with an annualized return of 2.29%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively higher 15.60% annualized return.

HRZN

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 19.14%
• YTD: -20.19%
• 6M: -18.68%
• 1Y: -22.84%
• 3Y*: -14.28%
• 5Y*: -12.52%
• 10Y*: 2.29%

VOO

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -1.44%
• YTD: 8.08%
• 6M: 6.78%
• 1Y: 22.23%
• 3Y*: 20.75%
• 5Y*: 13.02%
• 10Y*: 15.60%

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

HRZN vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HRZN Horizon Technology Finance Corporation	-20.19%	-14.44%	-22.87%	26.99%	-19.72%	29.74%	14.08%	26.88%	11.71%	18.62%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	8.08%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between HRZN and VOO is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2010	0.36

Return for Risk

HRZN vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

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

HRZN

HRZN Risk / Return Rank: 23
HRZN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
HRZN Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
HRZN Omega Ratio Rank: 20
HRZN Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
HRZN Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 60
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

HRZN vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). 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.

	HRZN	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.52	1.80	-2.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.48	2.46	-2.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.33	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.49	2.51	-3.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.87	11.16	-12.03

HRZN vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HRZN Sharpe Ratio is -0.52, which is lower than the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HRZN and VOO, 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

HRZN vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HRZN drawdown since its inception was -62.57%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HRZN and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	HRZN	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.57%	-33.99%	-28.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-46.88%	-8.90%	-37.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-59.36%	-18.69%	-40.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-62.57%	-24.52%	-38.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-62.57%	-33.99%	-28.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-53.13%	-3.23%	-49.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.43%	-3.68%	-9.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	26.41%	2.00%	+24.41%

Volatility

HRZN vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) has a higher volatility of 18.44% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 4.80%. This indicates that HRZN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HRZN	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.44%	4.80%	+13.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.39%	9.79%	+31.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.88%	12.43%	+31.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.92%	16.91%	+15.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.68%	18.02%	+18.66%

Dividends

HRZN vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

HRZN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 36.16%, more than VOO's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HRZN Horizon Technology Finance Corporation	36.16%	20.47%	15.24%	10.40%	10.86%	7.85%	9.44%	9.28%	10.67%	10.70%	12.96%	11.76%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.05%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HRZN and VOO in my portfolio?

HRZN and VOO 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, HRZN or VOO?

HRZN has higher volatility (18.44%) compared to VOO (4.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HRZN dropped -62.57% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs -0.52), 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.