QGRD vs QMFE
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February
Which is better, QGRD or QMFE?
Each has led over a different period.
QGRD has a lower expense ratio. QGRD led over the full window, QMFE 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 | QGRD | QMFE |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $173M | $44M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.39% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.35% | +12.25%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.66% | +15.70%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 6.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -4.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.3 years | $12,098Best | $12,085 |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jul 9, 2025 | Feb 21, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 10, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.3 years).
QGRD vs QMFE growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.3 years both funds cover.
QGRD vs QMFE Performance
Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is an ETF from Horizon Funds and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February (QMFE) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QGRD returned +12.66% while QMFE returned +15.70%. Year to date, QGRD is up 11.35% versus a gain of 12.25% for QMFE.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QGRD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% compared with 6.9% for QMFE. 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 -9.4% for QGRD and -4.8% for QMFE. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRD charges 0.85% per year while QMFE charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $90 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QGRD currently yields 1.39% against 0.00% for QMFE.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QGRD and QMFE 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, QGRD or QMFE?
QGRD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QMFE charges 0.90%. QGRD is the cheaper option, by $5 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, QGRD or QMFE?
Over the past year QGRD returned +12.66% vs +15.70% for QMFE, so QMFE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QGRD annualized +15.78% vs +15.68% for QMFE. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QGRD or QMFE?
QGRD has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 6.9% for QMFE. Worst drawdown: QGRD -9.4% vs QMFE -4.8%.
Should I hold both QGRD and QMFE?
QGRD and QMFE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, 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, QGRD or QMFE?
QGRD yields 1.39% while QMFE yields 0.00%, so QGRD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QMFE better than QGRD?
QGRD has a lower expense ratio. QGRD led over the full window, QMFE over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.