QGRD vs. STOX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

QGRD (Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF) and STOX (Horizon Core Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QGRD is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by Horizon, while STOX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Horizon. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QGRD charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for STOX.

Performance

QGRD vs. STOX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QGRD achieves a 10.11% return, which is significantly higher than STOX's 7.47% return.

QGRD

• 1D: -3.94%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 10.11%
• 6M: 7.90%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STOX

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 7.47%
• 6M: 7.19%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QGRD vs. STOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	10.11%	8.34%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	7.47%	10.60%

Correlation

The correlation between QGRD and STOX is 0.90, 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 Jul 11, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

QGRD vs. STOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) and Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QGRD	STOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.59	1.78	-0.19

Drawdowns

QGRD vs. STOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QGRD drawdown since its inception was -9.41%, roughly equal to the maximum STOX drawdown of -9.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QGRD and STOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QGRD	STOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.41%	-9.33%	-0.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.45%	-2.48%	-1.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.19%	-1.16%	-1.03%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QGRD	STOX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.56%	12.60%	+0.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.56%	12.60%	+0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.56%	12.60%	+0.96%

QGRD vs. STOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QGRD has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than STOX's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

QGRD vs. STOX - Dividend Comparison

QGRD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than STOX's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.42%	1.57%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	0.18%	0.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QGRD and STOX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, QGRD and STOX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, QGRD or STOX?

On fees, STOX is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QGRD or STOX?

STOX is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for QGRD.

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

QGRD has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.18% for STOX.

What is the main difference between QGRD and STOX?

QGRD is categorized as Equity Hedged, while STOX is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for QGRD and 0.70% for STOX.