QGRD vs VXUS
QGRD vs VXUS
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QGRD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $99M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.50% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.36% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QGRD vs VXUS Performance
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QGRD returned +18.36% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QGRD is up 11.50% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QGRD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRD charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QGRD currently yields 1.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QGRD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 VXUS?
QGRD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QGRD or VXUS?
Over the past year QGRD returned +18.36% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QGRD annualized +18.91% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QGRD or VXUS?
QGRD has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QGRD -9.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QGRD and VXUS?
QGRD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QGRD and VXUS?
QGRD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QGRD or VXUS?
QGRD yields 1.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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