STOX vs. QGRD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

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

Performance

STOX vs. QGRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) 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, STOX achieves a 10.00% return, which is significantly lower than QGRD's 15.09% return.

STOX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 10.00%
• 6M: 10.04%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QGRD

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 8.60%
• YTD: 15.09%
• 6M: 13.18%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STOX vs. QGRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	10.00%	10.60%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	15.09%	8.34%

Correlation

The correlation between STOX and QGRD 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

STOX vs. QGRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) 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

	STOX	QGRD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	2.16	-0.08

Drawdowns

STOX vs. QGRD - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	STOX	QGRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.33%	-9.41%	+0.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.13%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-2.19%	+1.03%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STOX	QGRD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.39%	12.92%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.39%	12.92%	-0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.39%	12.92%	-0.53%

STOX vs. QGRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

STOX vs. QGRD - Dividend Comparison

STOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than QGRD's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.36%	1.57%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	0.17%	0.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STOX and QGRD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, STOX and QGRD 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, STOX or QGRD?

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, STOX or QGRD?

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

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

QGRD has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.17% for STOX.

What is the main difference between STOX and QGRD?

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