GQGU vs. HLAL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) and HLAL (Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. GQGU is actively managed, while HLAL is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. GQGU charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for HLAL.

Performance

GQGU vs. HLAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GQGU achieves a 6.60% return, which is significantly lower than HLAL's 18.72% return.

GQGU

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 7.16%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HLAL

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 9.45%
• YTD: 18.72%
• 6M: 17.75%
• 1Y: 43.63%
• 3Y*: 22.04%
• 5Y*: 15.86%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GQGU vs. HLAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	6.60%	-1.14%
HLAL Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF	18.72%	15.13%

Correlation

The correlation between GQGU and HLAL is -0.15, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2025	-0.15

Return for Risk

GQGU vs. HLAL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

HLAL

HLAL Risk / Return Rank: 88
HLAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
HLAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
HLAL Omega Ratio Rank: 90
HLAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
HLAL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GQGU vs. HLAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GQGU	HLAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.91	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.89	-0.29

Drawdowns

GQGU vs. HLAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GQGU drawdown since its inception was -6.65%, smaller than the maximum HLAL drawdown of -33.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GQGU and HLAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GQGU	HLAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-33.57%	+26.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.20%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.67%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.66%	-0.07%	-4.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.54%	-5.00%	+2.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.20%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GQGU	HLAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.70%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.95%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.14%	13.17%	-3.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.14%	17.60%	-7.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.14%	20.21%	-10.07%

GQGU vs. HLAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GQGU has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than HLAL's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

GQGU vs. HLAL - Dividend Comparison

GQGU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, more than HLAL's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HLAL Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF	0.44%	0.53%	0.58%	0.72%	1.15%	0.78%	0.97%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GQGU and HLAL in my portfolio?

GQGU and HLAL have a correlation of -0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GQGU or HLAL?

On fees, GQGU is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GQGU or HLAL?

GQGU is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HLAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GQGU or HLAL?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.44% for HLAL.

What is the main difference between GQGU and HLAL?

They also come from different issuers: GQG Partners and Wahed. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for GQGU and 0.50% for HLAL.