QGRD vs QQQ
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QGRD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $99M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.66% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.65% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QGRD vs QQQ Performance
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QGRD returned +17.65% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, QGRD is up 12.66% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 16.3% for QGRD. 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 -9.4% for QGRD and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRD charges 0.85% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $18 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QGRD currently yields 1.37% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QGRD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QGRD or QQQ?
QGRD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QGRD or QQQ?
Over the past year QGRD returned +17.65% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QGRD annualized +19.73% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QGRD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.3% for QGRD. Worst drawdown: QGRD -9.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QGRD and QQQ?
QGRD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QGRD and QQQ?
QGRD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QGRD or QQQ?
QGRD yields 1.37% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QGRD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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