FORH vs SQEW
Formidable ETF vs LeaderShares Equity Skew ETF
Which is better, FORH or SQEW?
Each has led over a different period.
SQEW has a lower expense ratio. FORH led over the full window, SQEW over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FORH | SQEW |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.19% | 0.84%Best |
| AUM | $19M | $16M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 0.96% |
| Holdings | 129 | 159 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9%Best | 16.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7%Best | -26.1% |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $11,868Best | $10,951 |
| Fund Family | Formidable Funds | LeaderShares |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Mid Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2021 | May 11, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 355 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. FORH has data through Oct 14, 2026 and SQEW through Oct 24, 2025.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 30, 2021 to Oct 24, 2025 (4.5 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SQEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 13.9% for FORH. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -20.7% for FORH and -26.1% for SQEW. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FORH charges 1.19% per year while SQEW charges 0.84%. On a $10,000 position that is $119 vs $84 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FORH currently yields 1.86% against 0.96% for SQEW.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FORH and SQEW you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FORH or SQEW?
FORH has an expense ratio of 1.19% while SQEW charges 0.84%. SQEW is the cheaper option, by $35 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, FORH or SQEW?
SQEW has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 13.9% for FORH. Worst drawdown: FORH -20.7% vs SQEW -26.1%.
Should I hold both FORH and SQEW?
FORH and SQEW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FORH or SQEW?
FORH yields 1.86% while SQEW yields 0.96%, so FORH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SQEW better than FORH?
SQEW has a lower expense ratio. FORH led over the full window, SQEW over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.