JHDG vs. QGRD

Last updated Jul 28, 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 0.81 means they have usually moved in the same direction. 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: -0.31%
• 1M: -0.79%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

QGRD

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -3.09%
• 6M: 5.49%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 1Y: 14.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.38%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
JHDG John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF	$1.11M	$1.05M	$1.10M
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	$197.74K	$265.04K	$528.24K

JHDG vs. QGRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
JHDG John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF	5.74%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	11.27%

Correlation

The correlation between JHDG and QGRD is 0.81, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2026	0.81

Return for Risk

JHDG vs. QGRD — Risk / Return Rank

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

JHDG

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

QGRD

QGRD Risk / Return Rank: 40
QGRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
QGRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
QGRD Omega Ratio Rank: 37
QGRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
QGRD Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

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.

	JHDG	QGRD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.99	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.40	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.18	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.57	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.54	—

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%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.17%	-6.81%	+4.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-2.33%	+1.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.25%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JHDG	QGRD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.01%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.71%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.16%	14.95%	-4.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.16%	14.63%	-4.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.16%	14.63%	-4.47%

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 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
JHDG John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF	0.10%	0.00%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.46%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JHDG and QGRD in my portfolio?

JHDG and QGRD have a correlation of 0.81, 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 1.46%, 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.