SCEP vs. QGRD

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SCEP (Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF) and QGRD (Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCEP charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for QGRD.

Performance

SCEP vs. QGRD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCEP achieves a 3.86% return, which is significantly lower than QGRD's 15.23% return.

SCEP

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 3.86%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QGRD

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 8.54%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 6M: 13.56%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCEP vs. QGRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SCEP Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF	3.86%	-0.50%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	15.23%	-2.14%

Correlation

The correlation between SCEP and QGRD is 0.80, 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 12, 2025	0.80

Return for Risk

SCEP vs. QGRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	SCEP	QGRD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	2.18	-1.44

Drawdowns

SCEP vs. QGRD - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	SCEP	QGRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.25%	-9.41%	+2.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	0.00%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.60%	-2.20%	+0.60%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SCEP	QGRD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.91%	12.95%	-3.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.91%	12.95%	-3.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.91%	12.95%	-3.04%

SCEP vs. QGRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SCEP vs. QGRD - Dividend Comparison

SCEP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, more than QGRD's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.36%	1.57%
SCEP Sterling Capital Hedged Equity Premium Income ETF	3.24%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCEP and QGRD in my portfolio?

SCEP and QGRD have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SCEP or QGRD?

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, SCEP or QGRD?

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

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

SCEP has the higher dividend yield at 3.24%, compared with 1.36% for QGRD.

What is the main difference between SCEP and QGRD?

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