QGRD vs SCHD
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QGRD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $99M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.50% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.36% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QGRD vs SCHD Performance
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QGRD returned +18.36% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, QGRD is up 11.50% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QGRD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRD charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QGRD currently yields 1.37% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QGRD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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 SCHD?
QGRD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QGRD or SCHD?
Over the past year QGRD returned +18.36% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QGRD annualized +18.91% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QGRD or SCHD?
QGRD has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QGRD -9.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QGRD and SCHD?
QGRD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QGRD and SCHD?
QGRD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QGRD or SCHD?
QGRD yields 1.37% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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