HTRB vs. VMAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HTRB (Hartford Total Return Bond ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HTRB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond 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, HTRB returned 5.03% vs 29.83% for VMAX. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.29% expense ratio.

Performance

HTRB vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB) 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, HTRB achieves a 1.05% return, which is significantly lower than VMAX's 15.89% return.

HTRB

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: 1.05%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 5.03%
• 3Y*: 4.78%
• 5Y*: 0.51%
• 10Y*: —

VMAX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 15.89%
• 6M: 14.20%
• 1Y: 29.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HTRB vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HTRB Hartford Total Return Bond ETF	1.05%	7.38%	2.35%	2.65%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	15.89%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between HTRB and VMAX is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.21

Return for Risk

HTRB vs. VMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HTRB

HTRB Risk / Return Rank: 40
HTRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
HTRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
HTRB Omega Ratio Rank: 40
HTRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
HTRB Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 88
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

HTRB vs. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB) 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.

	HTRB	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	2.44	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	3.32	-1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.43	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.79	6.08	-4.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.02	21.32	-16.31

HTRB vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HTRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is lower than the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HTRB 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

HTRB vs. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HTRB drawdown since its inception was -19.48%, roughly equal to the maximum VMAX drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HTRB and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HTRB	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.48%	-19.05%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-4.93%	+2.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.52%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.77%	0.00%	-0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-2.52%	-2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	1.40%	-0.39%

Volatility

HTRB vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB) is 1.07%, while Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) has a volatility of 3.22%. This indicates that HTRB 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

	HTRB	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.07%	3.22%	-2.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.84%	8.83%	-5.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.78%	12.29%	-8.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.13%	15.39%	-9.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.56%	15.39%	-9.83%

HTRB vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both HTRB and VMAX have an expense ratio of 0.29%.

Dividends

HTRB vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

HTRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%, more than VMAX's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HTRB Hartford Total Return Bond ETF	4.60%	4.66%	4.45%	3.87%	3.08%	4.22%	4.79%	6.30%	2.37%	0.96%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.86%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HTRB and VMAX in my portfolio?

HTRB and VMAX have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HTRB or VMAX?

VMAX has higher volatility (3.22%) compared to HTRB (1.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HTRB dropped -19.48% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, HTRB or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 29.83% vs 5.03% for HTRB. Both ETFs have the same 0.29% expense ratio. On volatility, HTRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HTRB or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 29.83% return vs 5.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HTRB or VMAX?

HTRB and VMAX have the same expense ratio: 0.29% per year.

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

HTRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.60%, compared with 1.86% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between HTRB and VMAX?

HTRB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while VMAX is Large Cap Value Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.34), 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.