QQH vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

QQH (HCM Defender 100 Index ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - QQH tracks the HCM Defender 100 Index while VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QQH returned 12.03%/yr vs 19.42%/yr for VGT. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QQH charges 1.14%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

QQH vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQH achieves a 6.29% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 22.82% return.

QQH

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -5.14%
• YTD: 6.29%
• 6M: 3.88%
• 1Y: 25.12%
• 3Y*: 22.30%
• 5Y*: 12.03%
• 10Y*: —

VGT

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 22.82%
• 6M: 20.81%
• 1Y: 42.45%
• 3Y*: 30.31%
• 5Y*: 19.42%
• 10Y*: 25.77%

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

QQH vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	6.29%	15.66%	33.64%	48.05%	-39.60%	37.52%	41.71%	15.09%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	22.82%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	14.70%

Correlation

The correlation between QQH and VGT is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2019	0.91

The correlation between QQH and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QQH vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQH

QQH Risk / Return Rank: 32
QQH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
QQH Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
QQH Omega Ratio Rank: 32
QQH Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
QQH Martin Ratio Rank: 31

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 60
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

QQH vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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.

	QQH	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	1.88	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	2.41	-0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.32	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.56	2.60	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.11	7.87	-3.76

QQH vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQH Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQH and VGT, 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

QQH vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQH drawdown since its inception was -41.87%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQH and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQH	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.87%	-54.63%	+12.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.18%	-16.40%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.84%	-27.23%	+2.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.87%	-35.07%	-6.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.92%	-8.08%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.87%	-7.95%	-4.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.13%	5.41%	+0.72%

Volatility

QQH vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) have volatilities of 11.60% and 11.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQH	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.60%	11.17%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.73%	18.51%	-0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.02%	22.66%	+0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.01%	25.55%	-3.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.99%	24.76%	+0.23%

QQH vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQH has a 1.14% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQH vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

QQH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.20%, less than VGT's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	0.20%	0.21%	0.24%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.45%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQH and VGT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, QQH and VGT 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 is riskier, QQH or VGT?

QQH has higher volatility (11.60%) compared to VGT (11.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQH dropped -41.87% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, QQH or VGT?

On 5-year performance, VGT leads with 19.42% vs 12.03% for QQH. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 11.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQH or VGT?

Over the 5-year period, VGT has performed better with a 19.42% return vs 12.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQH or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for QQH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQH or VGT?

VGT has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.20% for QQH.

What is the main difference between QQH and VGT?

QQH tracks HCM Defender 100 Index, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Howard Capital Management and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.14% for QQH and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.10), 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.