QGRD vs. SCEP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

QGRD (Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF) and SCEP (Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QGRD charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for SCEP.

Performance

QGRD vs. SCEP - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QGRD achieves a 14.58% return, which is significantly higher than SCEP's 3.70% return.

QGRD

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 2.94%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 6M: 13.42%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCEP

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 3.70%
• 6M: 3.72%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QGRD vs. SCEP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	14.58%	-2.53%
SCEP Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF	3.70%	-0.50%

Correlation

The correlation between QGRD and SCEP is 0.81, 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 Dec 11, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

QGRD vs. SCEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) and Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF (SCEP). 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

QGRD vs. SCEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QGRD drawdown since its inception was -9.41%, which is greater than SCEP's maximum drawdown of -7.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QGRD and SCEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	QGRD	SCEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.41%	-7.25%	-2.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	-0.56%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.19%	-1.54%	-0.65%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QGRD	SCEP	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.15%	10.64%	+3.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.15%	10.64%	+3.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.15%	10.64%	+3.51%

QGRD vs. SCEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

QGRD has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SCEP's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

QGRD vs. SCEP - Dividend Comparison

QGRD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than SCEP's 3.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.37%	1.57%
SCEP Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF	3.25%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QGRD and SCEP in my portfolio?

QGRD and SCEP 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, QGRD or SCEP?

On fees, SCEP is cheaper at 0.65% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QGRD or SCEP?

SCEP is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for QGRD.

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

SCEP has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 1.37% for QGRD.

What is the main difference between QGRD and SCEP?

They also come from different issuers: Horizon and Sterling Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for QGRD and 0.65% for SCEP.