VMAX vs. CSTK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) and CSTK (Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VMAX returned 27.28% vs 26.71% for CSTK. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VMAX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for CSTK.

Performance

VMAX vs. CSTK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) and Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMAX achieves a 12.22% return, which is significantly higher than CSTK's 11.29% return.

VMAX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 2.11%
• YTD: 12.22%
• 6M: 13.50%
• 1Y: 27.28%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CSTK

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 11.29%
• 6M: 13.04%
• 1Y: 26.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VMAX vs. CSTK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	12.22%	17.81%
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	11.29%	18.33%

Correlation

The correlation between VMAX and CSTK is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 8, 2025	0.90

The correlation between VMAX and CSTK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VMAX vs. CSTK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

CSTK

CSTK Risk / Return Rank: 70
CSTK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
CSTK Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
CSTK Omega Ratio Rank: 71
CSTK Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
CSTK Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

VMAX vs. CSTK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) and Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK). 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.

	VMAX	CSTK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	2.38	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	3.42	-0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.42	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.56	3.02	+2.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.55	11.85	+7.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMAX vs. CSTK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is comparable to the CSTK Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMAX and CSTK, 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

	VMAX	CSTK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.25	2.38	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	2.54	-1.17

Drawdowns

VMAX vs. CSTK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMAX drawdown since its inception was -19.05%, which is greater than CSTK's maximum drawdown of -8.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMAX and CSTK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMAX	CSTK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.05%	-8.87%	-10.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.93%	-8.87%	+3.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	-0.60%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.57%	-1.28%	-1.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.40%	2.26%	-0.86%

Volatility

VMAX vs. CSTK - Volatility Comparison

Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) and Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) have volatilities of 2.55% and 2.68%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMAX	CSTK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.55%	2.68%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.71%	8.45%	+0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	11.28%	+0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.45%	11.60%	+3.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.45%	11.60%	+3.85%

VMAX vs. CSTK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMAX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than CSTK's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMAX vs. CSTK - Dividend Comparison

VMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, more than CSTK's 1.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	1.77%	1.44%	0.00%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.91%	2.14%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMAX and CSTK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, VMAX and CSTK 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, VMAX or CSTK?

CSTK has higher volatility (2.68%) compared to VMAX (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMAX dropped -19.05% vs CSTK's -8.87%.

Which ETF is better, VMAX or CSTK?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 27.28% vs 26.71% for CSTK. On fees, VMAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, VMAX has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VMAX or CSTK?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 27.28% return vs 26.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VMAX or CSTK?

VMAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for CSTK.

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

VMAX has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 1.77% for CSTK.

What is the main difference between VMAX and CSTK?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for VMAX and 0.35% for CSTK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSTK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 2.25), 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.