HLGE vs SMIZ
Hartford Longevity Economy ETF vs Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF
Which is better, HLGE or SMIZ?
SMIZ has been ahead.
HLGE has a lower expense ratio. SMIZ led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
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
| Metric | HLGE | SMIZ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44%Best | 0.55% |
| AUM | $13M | $280M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 0.56% |
| Holdings | 342 | 402 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6%Best | 19.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8%Best | -25.0% |
| $10,000 over 1.7 years | $13,554 | $13,666Best |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Zacks |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Mid Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | Oct 3, 2023 |
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 SMIZ through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 3, 2023 to Jun 23, 2025 (1.7 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% compared with 14.6% 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 -25.0% for SMIZ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.91. 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 SMIZ charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $55 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HLGE currently yields 1.34% against 0.56% for SMIZ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HLGE and SMIZ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HLGE or SMIZ?
HLGE has an expense ratio of 0.44% while SMIZ charges 0.55%. HLGE is the cheaper option, by $11 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, HLGE or SMIZ?
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 14.6% for HLGE. Worst drawdown: HLGE -20.8% vs SMIZ -25.0%.
Should I hold both HLGE and SMIZ?
HLGE and SMIZ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 SMIZ?
HLGE yields 1.34% while SMIZ yields 0.56%, so HLGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMIZ better than HLGE?
HLGE has a lower expense ratio. SMIZ led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.