HLGE vs IQSM

HLGE vs IQSM

Which is better, HLGE or IQSM?

Nearly the same fund. IQSM costs less.

IQSM has a lower expense ratio. HLGE led over the full window, IQSM over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.

Lower Fees: IQSMHigher Returns: split

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHLGEIQSM
Expense Ratio0.44%0.15%Best
AUM$13M$360M
Dividend Yield1.34%1.07%
Holdings342248
Volatility (annualized)15.2%Best18.9%
Max Drawdown-20.8%Best-23.7%
$10,000 over 2.7 years$14,224Best$12,742
Fund FamilyHartford FundsNew York Life Investments
CategoryEquityEquity
StyleMid Cap BlendMid Cap Blend
InceptionMar 16, 2021Oct 25, 2022

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 478 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. HLGE has data through Jun 23, 2025 and IQSM through Oct 14, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 25, 2022 to Jun 23, 2025 (2.7 years).

Compare HLGE against instead:HLGE vs SPYHLGE vs QQQHLGE vs VOOHLGE vs VTIIQSM against:IQSM vs VXUS

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IQSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 15.2% for HLGE. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -20.8% for HLGE and -23.7% for IQSM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HLGE charges 0.44% per year while IQSM charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $15 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HLGE currently yields 1.34% against 1.07% for IQSM.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of HLGE and IQSM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

HLGEIQSM

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HLGE or IQSM?

HLGE has an expense ratio of 0.44% while IQSM charges 0.15%. IQSM is the cheaper option, by $29 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, HLGE or IQSM?

IQSM has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.2% for HLGE. Worst drawdown: HLGE -20.8% vs IQSM -23.7%.

Should I hold both HLGE and IQSM?

HLGE and IQSM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, HLGE or IQSM?

HLGE yields 1.34% while IQSM yields 1.07%, so HLGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is IQSM better than HLGE?

IQSM has a lower expense ratio. HLGE led over the full window, IQSM over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.