Hartford Funds to Liquidate HQGO and VMAX ETFs in 2026

Hartford Funds will close and liquidate two of its exchange-traded funds by late December, citybiz reported.

The decision involves the Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) and the Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX), both of which operate as separate series of Lattice Strategies Trust. According to the company, the move follows a review of its investment product lineup and a commitment to responding to changing investor needs.

Investors holding these funds face a rapidly approaching deadline. Both ETFs are expected to cease trading after the market closes on December 11, 2026. The final liquidation of the funds is scheduled for approximately December 18, 2026.

Shareholders must sell ETF shares before December 11

The Hartford US Quality Growth ETF is currently listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, while the Hartford US Value ETF trades on the Cboe BZX Exchange. Both exchanges are expected to halt trading in their respective funds once the market closes on December 11.

Shareholders have until that December 11 deadline to sell their ETF shares through their exchanges, though they should account for potential brokerage transaction fees. Between the final trading day and the scheduled liquidation, a secondary market for buying or selling shares of either fund is not expected to exist.

Hartford Funds to Liquidate HQGO and VMAX ETFs in 2026

As the liquidation process begins, the funds may deviate from their standard investment strategies. Hartford Funds said that as they liquidate portfolios, they might sell investments and hold cash or different securities, which could affect investment performance and increase tracking error relative to their benchmark indexes.

Tax implications for shareholders

While the liquidations are not expected to constitute taxable events for the funds themselves, the impact on individual investors depends on their account types. For those holding shares in taxable accounts, the automatic redemption will generally be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes. This process may result in a taxable capital gain or loss.

Hartford Funds advised shareholders to consult their tax advisers regarding the specific consequences of these liquidations. On the liquidation date, any shares remaining outstanding will be automatically redeemed at the close of business without customary redemption transaction fees.

Shareholders will receive liquidation proceeds based on the funds’ net asset values after the payment or provision for all applicable charges, taxes, expenses, and liabilities, including costs associated with winding down operations. Distributions will be made to shareholders as soon as is practicable following the liquidation.

Context of the Hartford Funds lineup

The company did not disclose the specific assets under management for the two affected ETFs, their recent performance history, or the exact factors that prompted the discontinuation. This adjustment to the product lineup is not expected to affect the company’s broader investment management operations.

Hartford Funds is a major player in the investment management industry. As of September 30, 2026, the company’s investment advisory business managed approximately $161 billion in discretionary and non-discretionary assets, excluding affiliated funds of funds, citybiz reported.

The firm’s broader platform includes mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and 529 college savings plans across several categories, including equity and fixed-income. Their investment strategies are supported by relationships with institutional managers Wellington Management and Schroders, alongside systematic ETFs using a proprietary risk-optimized indexing approach.

Shareholders seeking additional information regarding the liquidations can contact Hartford Funds at 800-456-7526.