QGRD vs. MAXJ

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

QGRD (Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF) and MAXJ (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QGRD returned 17.35% vs 6.91% for MAXJ. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QGRD charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for MAXJ.

Performance

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QGRD achieves a 9.19% return, which is significantly higher than MAXJ's 3.46% return.

QGRD

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: -2.80%
• 6M: 7.92%
• YTD: 9.19%
• 1Y: 17.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MAXJ

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.43%
• 6M: 3.13%
• YTD: 3.46%
• 1Y: 6.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	9.19%	8.15%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	3.46%	3.41%

Correlation

The correlation between QGRD and MAXJ is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.69

The correlation between QGRD and MAXJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QGRD vs. MAXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QGRD

QGRD Risk / Return Rank: 43
QGRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
QGRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
QGRD Omega Ratio Rank: 41
QGRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
QGRD Martin Ratio Rank: 45

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 94
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
MAXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). 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.

	QGRD	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	3.00	-1.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	4.73	-3.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.64	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	4.07	-2.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.55	23.91	-18.35

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QGRD Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the MAXJ Sharpe Ratio of 3.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QGRD and MAXJ, 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

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QGRD drawdown since its inception was -9.41%, which is greater than MAXJ's maximum drawdown of -6.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QGRD and MAXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QGRD	MAXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.41%	-6.35%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-1.70%	-7.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.24%	-0.24%	-5.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.26%	-0.53%	-1.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	0.29%	+2.84%

Volatility

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Volatility Comparison

Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) has a higher volatility of 5.81% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) at 0.46%. This indicates that QGRD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MAXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QGRD	MAXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.81%	0.46%	+5.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.69%	1.89%	+9.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.75%	2.31%	+12.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.61%	5.13%	+9.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.61%	5.13%	+9.48%

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QGRD has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than MAXJ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QGRD vs. MAXJ - Dividend Comparison

QGRD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%, more than MAXJ's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.97%	1.01%	0.81%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.43%	1.57%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QGRD and MAXJ in my portfolio?

QGRD and MAXJ have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QGRD or MAXJ?

QGRD has higher volatility (5.81%) compared to MAXJ (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QGRD dropped -9.41% vs MAXJ's -6.35%.

Which ETF is better, QGRD or MAXJ?

On 1-year performance, QGRD leads with 17.35% vs 6.91% for MAXJ. On fees, MAXJ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, MAXJ has been the lower-risk option at 0.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QGRD or MAXJ?

Over the 1-year period, QGRD has performed better with a 17.35% return vs 6.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QGRD or MAXJ?

MAXJ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for QGRD.

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

QGRD has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 0.97% for MAXJ.

What is the main difference between QGRD and MAXJ?

They also come from different issuers: Horizon and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for QGRD and 0.50% for MAXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.00 vs 1.18), 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.