ZHDG vs. QYLD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ZHDG (ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF) and QYLD (Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ZHDG is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by ZEGA, while QYLD is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the CBOE NASDAQ-100 Buy Write V2. ZHDG is actively managed, while QYLD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ZHDG returned 13.03%/yr vs 14.40%/yr for QYLD. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ZHDG charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QYLD.

Performance

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) and Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZHDG achieves a 2.19% return, which is significantly lower than QYLD's 8.25% return.

ZHDG

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -2.34%
• YTD: 2.19%
• 6M: 1.96%
• 1Y: 13.14%
• 3Y*: 13.03%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QYLD

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 8.25%
• 6M: 7.89%
• 1Y: 22.07%
• 3Y*: 14.40%
• 5Y*: 8.29%
• 10Y*: 10.21%

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

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ZHDG ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF	2.19%	14.34%	18.02%	13.14%	-22.07%	6.20%
QYLD Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF	8.25%	9.28%	19.35%	22.77%	-19.08%	5.49%

Correlation

The correlation between ZHDG and QYLD 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2021	0.77

The correlation between ZHDG and QYLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ZHDG vs. QYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZHDG

ZHDG Risk / Return Rank: 36
ZHDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
ZHDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
ZHDG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
ZHDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
ZHDG Martin Ratio Rank: 42

QYLD

QYLD Risk / Return Rank: 88
QYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
QYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
QYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
QYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
QYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) and Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD). 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.

	ZHDG	QYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	2.29	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	3.21	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.51	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.54	4.46	-2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.16	24.33	-18.18

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZHDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the QYLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZHDG and QYLD, 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

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZHDG drawdown since its inception was -23.27%, smaller than the maximum QYLD drawdown of -24.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZHDG and QYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZHDG	QYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.27%	-24.75%	+1.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.56%	-4.97%	-3.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.63%	-19.06%	+7.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.37%	-1.77%	-1.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.09%	-3.82%	-4.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.14%	0.91%	+1.23%

Volatility

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) is 4.09%, while Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD) has a volatility of 4.78%. This indicates that ZHDG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZHDG	QYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.09%	4.78%	-0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.89%	8.45%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.78%	9.69%	+1.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.81%	14.84%	-3.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.81%	15.55%	-3.74%

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZHDG has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than QYLD's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZHDG vs. QYLD - Dividend Comparison

ZHDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, less than QYLD's 11.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QYLD Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF	11.64%	11.55%	12.50%	11.78%	13.75%	12.85%	11.16%	9.84%	12.44%	7.69%	9.15%	9.42%
ZHDG ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF	2.51%	2.57%	2.59%	1.52%	3.58%	1.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZHDG and QYLD in my portfolio?

ZHDG and QYLD 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 is riskier, ZHDG or QYLD?

QYLD has higher volatility (4.78%) compared to ZHDG (4.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZHDG dropped -23.27% vs QYLD's -24.75%.

Which ETF is better, ZHDG or QYLD?

On 3-year performance, QYLD leads with 14.40% vs 13.03% for ZHDG. On fees, QYLD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, ZHDG has been the lower-risk option at 4.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZHDG or QYLD?

Over the 3-year period, QYLD has performed better with a 14.40% return vs 13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZHDG or QYLD?

QYLD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for ZHDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZHDG or QYLD?

QYLD has the higher dividend yield at 11.64%, compared with 2.51% for ZHDG.

What is the main difference between ZHDG and QYLD?

ZHDG is categorized as Derivative Income, while QYLD is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: ZEGA and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for ZHDG and 0.60% for QYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.22), 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.