# Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) ETF

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> **Last updated:** 2026-03-15 UTC  
> **Disclaimer:** This is not financial advice. Educational purposes only.

## Quick Answer

The Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is an equity ETF managed by Horizon Funds, seeking capital appreciation and capital preservation. Launched in July 2025, QGRD has amassed $0.08 billion in assets under management. A key consideration for investors is its expense ratio of 0.85%, which impacts overall returns. The fund's strategy focuses on defined risk within the Nasdaq-100, although its current holdings are primarily in cash-like instruments.

## Fund Snapshot

- **Fund Name:** Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF
- **Symbol:** QGRD
- **Asset Class:** Equity
- **Issuer:** Horizon Funds
- **Domicile:** US
- **Expense Ratio:** 0.85%
- **NAV:** $26.47
- **AUM:** $75.45M
- **Inception Date:** 2025-07-08
- **Holdings Count:** 0
- **Dividend Yield:** 0.00%
- **Beta:** 0.00

## About Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF

The Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF seeks capital appreciation and capital preservation.

## Investment Strategy

The Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) aims to provide capital appreciation while managing downside risk, primarily focusing on companies within the Nasdaq-100. However, its current investment strategy appears to be largely focused on capital preservation, as evidenced by its top holding being First American Government Obligs X (FGXXX) which constitutes 0.08% of the portfolio. The fund's country exposure is entirely in 'Other' at 100.0%, suggesting investments outside typical geographic classifications. This ETF may appeal to investors seeking exposure to the Nasdaq-100 with a defined risk approach, but the current portfolio composition should be carefully considered. Investors should monitor how the fund's holdings evolve over time to align with its stated investment objective of capital appreciation within the Nasdaq-100. The fund's defined risk strategy differentiates it from passively managed Nasdaq-100 trackers.

## Risk Profile

QGRD presents a unique risk profile. As of March 2026, a significant portion of its assets are allocated to a single holding, First American Government Obligs X (FGXXX) at 0.08%, indicating a concentrated portfolio, although the vast majority of the fund is likely held in cash or similar instruments not explicitly listed. This concentration could amplify the impact of that specific holding's performance on the overall ETF return. The expense ratio of 0.85% is higher than category averages, creating a drag on performance, especially relevant in a low-yield environment. With a beta of 0.00 (3Y), the fund exhibits very low volatility relative to the market, which is expected given its current holdings. Investors should be aware that past performance does not guarantee future results, and the fund's risk profile may change as its investment strategy evolves.

## Top Holdings

- [First American Government Obligs X (FGXXX)](https://www.stockexpertai.com/stock/fgxxx) — **Weight:** 0.08%

## Country Allocation

- Other: 100.0%

## Market Context

QGRD operates within the equity ETF landscape, specifically targeting the Nasdaq-100. In the current market environment, where technology stocks and growth companies within the Nasdaq-100 have experienced volatility, a defined risk strategy may appeal to investors seeking downside protection. However, the fund's current allocation to a government obligation fund suggests a more defensive stance than a typical Nasdaq-100 ETF. Competitors in this space include traditional Nasdaq-100 trackers and other defined-outcome ETFs. Investors should compare QGRD's strategy and holdings to those of its peers to determine if it aligns with their investment objectives and risk tolerance. The macro relevance of QGRD is tied to the performance of the technology sector and the overall health of the U.S. economy.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is QGRD and what does it track?

The Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is an exchange-traded fund managed by Horizon Funds. Launched in July 2025, QGRD aims to provide capital appreciation and capital preservation by investing in companies within the Nasdaq-100 index, while also employing a defined risk strategy. However, as of March 2026, its top holding is First American Government Obligs X (FGXXX), suggesting a more conservative approach currently. The fund's objective is to offer investors exposure to the growth potential of the Nasdaq-100 while mitigating potential downside risks, although the current portfolio composition may not fully reflect this objective. Investors should monitor the fund's holdings to ensure alignment with its stated investment strategy.

### What is the expense ratio for QGRD?

The expense ratio for the Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is 0.85%. This means that for every $10,000 invested in the fund, $85 is used to cover the fund's operating expenses annually. While this provides the fund managers resources to actively manage the fund, it is important to note that the expense ratio is higher than the category average for equity ETFs, which is approximately 0.44%. Investors should consider the impact of this higher expense ratio on their overall returns, especially in a low-return environment.

### What are the top holdings in QGRD?

As of March 2026, the top holding in the Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is First American Government Obligs X (FGXXX), comprising 0.08% of the fund's total assets. While this is the only holding explicitly listed, it suggests a significant portion of the fund may be held in cash or similar instruments. Investors should review the complete holdings list periodically to understand the fund's exposure to various assets and sectors. The fund's investment strategy aims to provide exposure to the Nasdaq-100, but the current top holding indicates a more conservative approach.

### Is QGRD a good long-term investment?

Whether QGRD is a suitable long-term investment depends on an individual investor's specific financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. The fund's objective is to provide capital appreciation and capital preservation within the Nasdaq-100. However, the expense ratio of 0.85% is higher than category averages, which can impact long-term returns. The fund's current holdings, with a significant allocation to First American Government Obligs X (FGXXX), suggest a more conservative approach. Investors should carefully consider these factors and monitor the fund's performance and holdings over time to determine if it aligns with their long-term investment objectives. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

### How does QGRD compare to similar ETFs?

QGRD differentiates itself through its defined risk approach within the Nasdaq-100. Compared to passively managed Nasdaq-100 ETFs, QGRD aims to provide downside protection, although its current holdings suggest a more conservative stance. Its expense ratio of 0.85% is higher than many passively managed Nasdaq-100 trackers, which typically have expense ratios below 0.20%. With AUM of $0.08 billion, QGRD is smaller than many of its competitors, which can impact liquidity and trading costs. Investors should compare QGRD's strategy, holdings, expense ratio, and AUM to those of other Nasdaq-100 ETFs and defined-outcome ETFs to determine the best fit for their investment needs.

### Does QGRD pay dividends?

As of March 2026, the Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) has a dividend yield of 0.00%. This indicates that the fund is not currently distributing any dividends to its shareholders. Investors seeking income-generating investments may want to consider other ETFs with a higher dividend yield. However, QGRD's primary objective is capital appreciation and capital preservation, rather than income generation.

## Data Sources

- Yahoo Finance (ETF bundle)
- Issuer prospectus
- Stock Expert AI proprietary analysis

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