HDMV vs. QLTI

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

HDMV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF) and QLTI (GMO International Quality ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HDMV returned 11.67% vs 8.48% for QLTI. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HDMV charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QLTI.

Performance

HDMV vs. QLTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF (HDMV) and GMO International Quality ETF (QLTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HDMV achieves a 5.33% return, which is significantly higher than QLTI's 1.05% return.

HDMV

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -2.02%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 5.99%
• 1Y: 11.67%
• 3Y*: 12.31%
• 5Y*: 6.92%
• 10Y*: —

QLTI

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 3.03%
• YTD: 1.05%
• 6M: 1.98%
• 1Y: 8.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HDMV vs. QLTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HDMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF	5.33%	29.31%	-5.64%
QLTI GMO International Quality ETF	1.05%	17.12%	-7.94%

Correlation

The correlation between HDMV and QLTI is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2024	0.69

The correlation between HDMV and QLTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HDMV vs. QLTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

HDMV

HDMV Risk / Return Rank: 27
HDMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
HDMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
HDMV Omega Ratio Rank: 27
HDMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
HDMV Martin Ratio Rank: 28

QLTI

QLTI Risk / Return Rank: 15
QLTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
QLTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
QLTI Omega Ratio Rank: 14
QLTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
QLTI Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

HDMV vs. QLTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF (HDMV) and GMO International Quality ETF (QLTI). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	HDMV	QLTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.99	0.48	+0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	0.79	+0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.09	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	0.54	+0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.76	1.51	+2.24

HDMV vs. QLTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDMV Sharpe Ratio is 0.99, which is higher than the QLTI Sharpe Ratio of 0.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDMV and QLTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

HDMV vs. QLTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDMV drawdown since its inception was -32.01%, which is greater than QLTI's maximum drawdown of -14.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDMV and QLTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDMV	QLTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.01%	-14.82%	-17.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.73%	-13.72%	+4.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.33%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.11%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.05%	-4.48%	-0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.76%	-3.81%	-2.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	4.88%	-1.88%

Volatility

HDMV vs. QLTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF (HDMV) is 3.52%, while GMO International Quality ETF (QLTI) has a volatility of 4.55%. This indicates that HDMV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QLTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HDMV	QLTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	4.55%	-1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.70%	12.83%	-3.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.40%	15.52%	-4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.09%	16.74%	-4.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.24%	16.74%	-3.50%

HDMV vs. QLTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDMV has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than QLTI's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

HDMV vs. QLTI - Dividend Comparison

HDMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, more than QLTI's 0.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
HDMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed Intl ETF	4.65%	5.09%	3.24%	3.14%	3.53%	3.11%	1.45%	3.63%	2.88%	3.23%	0.18%
QLTI GMO International Quality ETF	0.51%	0.52%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDMV and QLTI in my portfolio?

HDMV and QLTI have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HDMV or QLTI?

QLTI has higher volatility (4.55%) compared to HDMV (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDMV dropped -32.01% vs QLTI's -14.82%.

Which ETF is better, HDMV or QLTI?

On 1-year performance, HDMV leads with 11.67% vs 8.48% for QLTI. On fees, QLTI is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, HDMV has been the lower-risk option at 3.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HDMV or QLTI?

Over the 1-year period, HDMV has performed better with a 11.67% return vs 8.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDMV or QLTI?

QLTI is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for HDMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HDMV or QLTI?

HDMV has the higher dividend yield at 4.65%, compared with 0.51% for QLTI.

What is the main difference between HDMV and QLTI?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and GMO. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for HDMV and 0.60% for QLTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDMV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.99 vs 0.48), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.