VLU vs. VMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VLU (SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. VLU is passively managed, while VMAX is actively managed. Over the past year, VLU returned 28.80% vs 30.65% for VMAX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VLU charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VMAX.

Performance

VLU vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) 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, VLU achieves a 13.20% return, which is significantly lower than VMAX's 15.53% return.

VLU

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 13.20%
• 6M: 12.60%
• 1Y: 28.80%
• 3Y*: 20.24%
• 5Y*: 12.54%
• 10Y*: 14.21%

VMAX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 15.53%
• 6M: 14.57%
• 1Y: 30.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VLU vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	13.20%	16.70%	17.24%	5.76%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	15.53%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VLU and VMAX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.95

The correlation between VLU and VMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

VLU vs. VMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLU	VMAX
Technology	19.1%	13.3%
Financial Services	18.4%	32.4%
Healthcare	11.5%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	3.7%
Communication Services	8.8%	6.6%
Industrials	8.3%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	3.7%
Energy	6.6%	11.0%
Utilities	3.5%	5.3%
Real Estate	3.4%	4.4%
Basic Materials	2.6%	2.8%

Return for Risk

VLU vs. VMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLU

VLU Risk / Return Rank: 86
VLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VLU Omega Ratio Rank: 84
VLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VLU Martin Ratio Rank: 88

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

VLU vs. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) 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.

	VLU	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	2.50	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.66	3.39	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.44	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.56	6.24	-1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.19	21.91	-3.73

VLU vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is comparable to the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLU 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

VLU vs. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLU drawdown since its inception was -37.39%, which is greater than VMAX's maximum drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLU and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLU	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.39%	-19.05%	-18.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.34%	-4.93%	-1.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.22%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.55%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-0.31%	-0.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-2.53%	-1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.59%	1.40%	+0.19%

Volatility

VLU vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) is 2.94%, while Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) has a volatility of 3.17%. This indicates that VLU 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

	VLU	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.94%	3.17%	-0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.90%	8.83%	-0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.00%	12.34%	-1.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.39%	15.42%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.06%	15.42%	+2.64%

VLU vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than VMAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLU vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

VLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, more than VMAX's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	2.05%	1.82%	2.00%	2.02%	2.16%	1.86%	1.98%	2.19%	2.57%	1.96%	2.14%	6.37%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.85%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLU and VMAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VLU and VMAX 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, VLU or VMAX?

VMAX has higher volatility (3.17%) compared to VLU (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLU dropped -37.39% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, VLU or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 30.65% vs 28.80% for VLU. On fees, VLU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, VLU has been the lower-risk option at 2.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLU or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 30.65% return vs 28.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLU or VMAX?

VLU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for VMAX.

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

VLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.05%, compared with 1.85% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between VLU and VMAX?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Hartford. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VLU and 0.29% for VMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.50), 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.