HESGX vs. GQEIX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HESGX (Horizon ESG Defensive Core Fund) and GQEIX (GQG Partners US Select Quality Equity Fund) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, HESGX returned 9.31%/yr vs 9.51%/yr for GQEIX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HESGX charges 1.02%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for GQEIX.

Performance

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon ESG Defensive Core Fund (HESGX) and GQG Partners US Select Quality Equity Fund (GQEIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with HESGX having a 4.77% return and GQEIX slightly lower at 4.63%.

HESGX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -3.10%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 6M: 3.50%
• 1Y: 19.24%
• 3Y*: 15.94%
• 5Y*: 9.31%
• 10Y*: —

GQEIX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -2.32%
• YTD: 4.63%
• 6M: 4.46%
• 1Y: 3.91%
• 3Y*: 12.90%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: —

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

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HESGX Horizon ESG Defensive Core Fund	4.77%	9.56%	22.41%	23.52%	-18.83%	27.45%	21.75%	-0.24%
GQEIX GQG Partners US Select Quality Equity Fund	4.63%	-4.31%	29.20%	17.77%	-2.69%	19.88%	23.88%	-0.73%

Correlation

The correlation between HESGX and GQEIX is -0.12, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2019	0.70

The correlation between HESGX and GQEIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.12 (1 year) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HESGX vs. GQEIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HESGX

HESGX Risk / Return Rank: 42
HESGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
HESGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
HESGX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
HESGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
HESGX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

GQEIX

GQEIX Risk / Return Rank: 5
GQEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
GQEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
GQEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
GQEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
GQEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon ESG Defensive Core Fund (HESGX) and GQG Partners US Select Quality Equity Fund (GQEIX). 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.

	HESGX	GQEIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	0.25	+1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	0.44	+1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.05	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	0.32	+1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.80	0.81	+7.99

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HESGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is higher than the GQEIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HESGX and GQEIX, 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

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HESGX drawdown since its inception was -24.43%, smaller than the maximum GQEIX drawdown of -28.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HESGX and GQEIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HESGX	GQEIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.43%	-28.48%	+4.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.42%	-8.45%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.79%	-18.92%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.08%	-20.44%	-1.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.18%	-10.52%	+6.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.06%	-5.78%	-0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.20%	3.32%	-1.12%

Volatility

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Volatility Comparison

Horizon ESG Defensive Core Fund (HESGX) has a higher volatility of 4.62% compared to GQG Partners US Select Quality Equity Fund (GQEIX) at 4.12%. This indicates that HESGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GQEIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HESGX	GQEIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	4.12%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.70%	8.14%	+1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.47%	10.57%	+1.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.66%	15.93%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.24%	18.72%	-2.48%

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HESGX has a 1.02% expense ratio, which is higher than GQEIX's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

HESGX vs. GQEIX - Dividend Comparison

HESGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.92%, more than GQEIX's 7.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GQEIX GQG Partners US Select Quality Equity Fund	7.05%	7.38%	5.41%	0.63%	4.50%	1.50%	0.67%	0.65%	0.12%
HESGX Horizon ESG Defensive Core Fund	15.92%	16.68%	0.29%	0.61%	0.52%	2.51%	2.75%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HESGX and GQEIX in my portfolio?

HESGX and GQEIX have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HESGX or GQEIX?

HESGX has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to GQEIX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HESGX dropped -24.43% vs GQEIX's -28.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HESGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 0.25), 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.