HLGE vs VFMF

HLGE vs VFMF

Which is better, HLGE or VFMF?

VFMF has been ahead.

VFMF has a lower expense ratio. VFMF led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.

Lower Fees: VFMFHigher Returns: VFMF

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

MetricHLGEVFMF
Expense Ratio0.44%0.18%Best
AUM$13M$1.1B
Dividend Yield1.34%1.44%
Holdings342655
Volatility (annualized)16.4%Best17.8%
Max Drawdown-23.9%-20.6%Best
$10,000 over 4.3 years$13,387$14,612Best
Fund FamilyHartford FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
StyleMid Cap BlendMid Cap Blend
InceptionMar 16, 2021Feb 13, 2018

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 VFMF through Oct 14, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 17, 2021 to Jun 23, 2025 (4.3 years).

Compare HLGE against instead:HLGE vs SPYHLGE vs QQQHLGE vs VOOHLGE vs VTIVFMF against:VFMF vs VXUS

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VFMF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 16.4% 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 -23.9% for HLGE and -20.6% for VFMF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. 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 VFMF charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $18 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HLGE currently yields 1.34% against 1.44% for VFMF.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

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

HLGEVFMF

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HLGE or VFMF?

HLGE has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VFMF charges 0.18%. VFMF is the cheaper option, by $26 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, HLGE or VFMF?

VFMF has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 16.4% for HLGE. Worst drawdown: HLGE -23.9% vs VFMF -20.6%.

Should I hold both HLGE and VFMF?

HLGE and VFMF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VFMF?

HLGE yields 1.34% while VFMF yields 1.44%, so VFMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VFMF better than HLGE?

VFMF has a lower expense ratio. VFMF led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.