MEDX vs. QTUM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

MEDX (Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF) and QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MEDX is a Health & Biotech Equities fund actively managed by Horizon, while QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. MEDX is actively managed, while QTUM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MEDX returned 6.59%/yr vs 48.21%/yr for QTUM. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MEDX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QTUM.

Performance

MEDX vs. QTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEDX achieves a 4.62% return, which is significantly lower than QTUM's 45.62% return.

MEDX

• 1D: 1.69%
• 1M: 5.29%
• YTD: 4.62%
• 6M: 5.69%
• 1Y: 29.83%
• 3Y*: 6.59%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QTUM

• 1D: 5.54%
• 1M: 10.68%
• YTD: 45.62%
• 6M: 39.23%
• 1Y: 80.67%
• 3Y*: 48.21%
• 5Y*: 27.78%
• 10Y*: —

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

MEDX vs. QTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MEDX Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF	4.62%	28.62%	-4.68%	-5.77%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	45.62%	36.65%	50.54%	26.54%

Correlation

The correlation between MEDX and QTUM is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2023	0.32

MEDX vs. QTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MEDX	QTUM
Healthcare	100.0%	0.6%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	8.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	85.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MEDX vs. QTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEDX

MEDX Risk / Return Rank: 59
MEDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
MEDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
MEDX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
MEDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
MEDX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 91
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

MEDX vs. QTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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.

	MEDX	QTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	2.86	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	3.38	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.45	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	5.31	-2.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.85	19.26	-11.41

MEDX vs. QTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is lower than the QTUM Sharpe Ratio of 2.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEDX and QTUM, 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

MEDX vs. QTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEDX drawdown since its inception was -23.10%, smaller than the maximum QTUM drawdown of -38.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEDX and QTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEDX	QTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.10%	-38.45%	+15.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.54%	-15.26%	+4.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.10%	-25.39%	+2.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.01%	-5.57%	+3.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.69%	-8.25%	+1.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	4.20%	-0.39%

Volatility

MEDX vs. QTUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) is 5.57%, while Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a volatility of 14.24%. This indicates that MEDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEDX	QTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	14.24%	-8.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.38%	23.16%	-9.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.13%	28.38%	-10.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.02%	27.00%	-9.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.02%	27.40%	-10.38%

MEDX vs. QTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEDX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than QTUM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEDX vs. QTUM - Dividend Comparison

MEDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, more than QTUM's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MEDX Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF	1.18%	1.23%	1.92%	4.94%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.74%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEDX and QTUM in my portfolio?

MEDX and QTUM have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MEDX or QTUM?

QTUM has higher volatility (14.24%) compared to MEDX (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEDX dropped -23.10% vs QTUM's -38.45%.

Which ETF is better, MEDX or QTUM?

On 3-year performance, QTUM leads with 48.21% vs 6.59% for MEDX. On fees, QTUM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, MEDX has been the lower-risk option at 5.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEDX or QTUM?

Over the 3-year period, QTUM has performed better with a 48.21% return vs 6.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEDX or QTUM?

QTUM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MEDX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MEDX or QTUM?

MEDX has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.74% for QTUM.

What is the main difference between MEDX and QTUM?

MEDX is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while QTUM is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Horizon and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MEDX and 0.40% for QTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.86 vs 1.65), 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.