JHDG vs. QGRD

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

JHDG (John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF) and QGRD (Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JHDG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for QGRD.

Performance

JHDG vs. QGRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF (JHDG) and Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

JHDG

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 1.17%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QGRD

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 0.54%
• 6M: 9.46%
• YTD: 10.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JHDG vs. QGRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
JHDG John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF	6.89%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	14.71%

Correlation

The correlation between JHDG and QGRD is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2026	0.83

Return for Risk

JHDG vs. QGRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF (JHDG) and Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD). 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.

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

Drawdowns

JHDG vs. QGRD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JHDG drawdown since its inception was -2.61%, smaller than the maximum QGRD drawdown of -9.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JHDG and QGRD.

Drawdown Indicators

	JHDG	QGRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.61%	-9.41%	+6.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-3.93%	+2.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.50%	-2.22%	+1.72%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JHDG	QGRD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.38%	14.58%	-4.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.38%	14.58%	-4.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.38%	14.58%	-4.20%

JHDG vs. QGRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

JHDG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than QGRD's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

JHDG vs. QGRD - Dividend Comparison

JHDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than QGRD's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
JHDG John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF	0.10%	0.00%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.42%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHDG and QGRD in my portfolio?

JHDG and QGRD have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, JHDG or QGRD?

On fees, JHDG 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, JHDG or QGRD?

JHDG is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for QGRD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JHDG or QGRD?

QGRD has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.10% for JHDG.

What is the main difference between JHDG and QGRD?

They also come from different issuers: John Hancock and Horizon. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for JHDG and 0.85% for QGRD.