THEQ vs. QGRD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

THEQ (T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF) and QGRD (Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, THEQ returned 14.21% vs 19.20% for QGRD. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. THEQ charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for QGRD.

Performance

THEQ vs. QGRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF (THEQ) 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, THEQ achieves a 6.93% return, which is significantly lower than QGRD's 10.23% return.

THEQ

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.32%
• 6M: 5.90%
• YTD: 6.93%
• 1Y: 14.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QGRD

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: -2.77%
• 6M: 9.01%
• YTD: 10.23%
• 1Y: 19.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

THEQ vs. QGRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
THEQ T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF	6.93%	6.64%
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	10.23%	8.15%

Correlation

The correlation between THEQ and QGRD is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.87

The correlation between THEQ and QGRD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

THEQ vs. QGRD — Risk / Return Rank

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

THEQ

THEQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
THEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
THEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
THEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 56
THEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
THEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 67

QGRD

QGRD Risk / Return Rank: 45
QGRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
QGRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
QGRD Omega Ratio Rank: 43
QGRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
QGRD Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

THEQ vs. QGRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF (THEQ) 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.

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.

	THEQ	QGRD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.31	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	1.79	+0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.23	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	2.05	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.55	6.18	+3.37

THEQ vs. QGRD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current THEQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the QGRD Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of THEQ and QGRD, 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

THEQ vs. QGRD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum THEQ drawdown since its inception was -8.20%, smaller than the maximum QGRD drawdown of -9.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for THEQ and QGRD.

Drawdown Indicators

	THEQ	QGRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.20%	-9.41%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.17%	-9.41%	+3.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.71%	-4.34%	+3.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.05%	-2.25%	+1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.49%	3.11%	-1.62%

Volatility

THEQ vs. QGRD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF (THEQ) is 2.57%, while Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) has a volatility of 5.86%. This indicates that THEQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QGRD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	THEQ	QGRD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.57%	5.86%	-3.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.14%	11.69%	-4.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.09%	14.72%	-5.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.49%	14.61%	-3.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.49%	14.61%	-3.12%

THEQ vs. QGRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

THEQ has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than QGRD's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

THEQ vs. QGRD - Dividend Comparison

THEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than QGRD's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
QGRD Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF	1.42%	1.57%
THEQ T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF	0.74%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both THEQ and QGRD in my portfolio?

THEQ and QGRD have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, THEQ or QGRD?

QGRD has higher volatility (5.86%) compared to THEQ (2.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, THEQ dropped -8.20% vs QGRD's -9.41%.

Which ETF is better, THEQ or QGRD?

On 1-year performance, QGRD leads with 19.20% vs 14.21% for THEQ. On fees, THEQ is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, THEQ has been the lower-risk option at 2.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, THEQ or QGRD?

Over the 1-year period, QGRD has performed better with a 19.20% return vs 14.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, THEQ or QGRD?

THEQ is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for QGRD.

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

QGRD has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.74% for THEQ.

What is the main difference between THEQ and QGRD?

They also come from different issuers: T. Rowe Price and Horizon. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for THEQ and 0.85% for QGRD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

THEQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 1.31), 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.