QDIV vs. HIGH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QDIV (Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF) and HIGH (Simplify Enhanced Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QDIV is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index, while HIGH is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Simplify. QDIV is passively managed, while HIGH is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, QDIV returned 9.64%/yr vs 2.72%/yr for HIGH. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QDIV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for HIGH.

Performance

QDIV vs. HIGH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) and Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QDIV achieves a 7.99% return, which is significantly higher than HIGH's -0.79% return.

QDIV

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: -0.97%
• YTD: 7.99%
• 6M: 7.73%
• 1Y: 13.66%
• 3Y*: 9.64%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: —

HIGH

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: -0.79%
• 6M: -1.67%
• 1Y: -1.43%
• 3Y*: 2.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QDIV vs. HIGH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	7.99%	3.16%	10.62%	5.18%	4.80%
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	-0.79%	4.35%	1.52%	7.70%	0.47%

Correlation

The correlation between QDIV and HIGH is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2022	0.22

The correlation between QDIV and HIGH shifts across timeframes, from 0.22 (all time) to 0.32 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

QDIV vs. HIGH — Risk / Return Rank

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

QDIV

QDIV Risk / Return Rank: 33
QDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
QDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
QDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 31
QDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
QDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

HIGH

HIGH Risk / Return Rank: 7
HIGH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
HIGH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
HIGH Omega Ratio Rank: 6
HIGH Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
HIGH Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

QDIV vs. HIGH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) and Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH). 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.

	QDIV	HIGH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	-0.16	+1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	-0.17	+1.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	0.98	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	-0.15	+1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.31	-0.21	+4.53

QDIV vs. HIGH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is higher than the HIGH Sharpe Ratio of -0.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDIV and HIGH, 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

QDIV vs. HIGH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDIV drawdown since its inception was -41.20%, which is greater than HIGH's maximum drawdown of -9.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDIV and HIGH.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDIV	HIGH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.20%	-9.50%	-31.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.97%	-9.50%	+1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.81%	-9.50%	-7.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.15%	-7.50%	+3.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.53%	-2.44%	-3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	6.73%	-3.56%

Volatility

QDIV vs. HIGH - Volatility Comparison

Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) has a higher volatility of 3.42% compared to Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH) at 1.91%. This indicates that QDIV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HIGH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QDIV	HIGH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	1.91%	+1.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.08%	3.81%	+4.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.00%	8.79%	+3.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.26%	9.53%	+5.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.38%	9.53%	+9.85%

QDIV vs. HIGH - Expense Ratio Comparison

QDIV has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than HIGH's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

QDIV vs. HIGH - Dividend Comparison

QDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.00%, less than HIGH's 7.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	7.36%	7.71%	8.34%	9.40%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	3.00%	3.13%	2.88%	3.26%	3.02%	2.44%	3.06%	2.84%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QDIV and HIGH in my portfolio?

QDIV and HIGH have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QDIV or HIGH?

QDIV has higher volatility (3.42%) compared to HIGH (1.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDIV dropped -41.20% vs HIGH's -9.50%.

Which ETF is better, QDIV or HIGH?

On 3-year performance, QDIV leads with 9.64% vs 2.72% for HIGH. On fees, QDIV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, HIGH has been the lower-risk option at 1.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QDIV or HIGH?

Over the 3-year period, QDIV has performed better with a 9.64% return vs 2.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDIV or HIGH?

QDIV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for HIGH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QDIV or HIGH?

HIGH has the higher dividend yield at 7.36%, compared with 3.00% for QDIV.

What is the main difference between QDIV and HIGH?

QDIV is categorized as Dividend, while HIGH is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for QDIV and 0.51% for HIGH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs -0.16), 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.