If You Invested in Horizon NASDAQ-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD)

Horizon Nasdaq-100 Defined Risk ETF (QGRD) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund that seeks to provide exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index while actively managing downside risk through a disciplined options overlay. According to Horizon, the fund aims to balance capital appreciation with capital preservation, making it a potential building block for investors and financial advisors who want equity market participation with a defined risk framework.

Fund objective and strategy

The stated objective of QGRD is to provide exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index and to manage downside risk. The ETF uses an actively managed, disciplined options overlay as part of its approach. Horizon describes the fund as seeking both growth and protection, reflecting its focus on capital appreciation alongside capital preservation.

QGRD is part of Horizon’s lineup of actively managed ETFs, which are described as flexible and outcome-oriented strategies that can align with a client’s unique goals. Within this lineup, QGRD is positioned to offer growth exposure connected to the Nasdaq-100 with a risk-aware structure that incorporates options.

Role within Horizon’s ETF lineup

Horizon states that its ETF family is designed to serve as key portfolio building blocks for financial advisors. The funds, including QGRD, are described as actively managed and outcome-oriented, with an emphasis on aligning with investor goals such as building wealth, preserving assets, or preparing for retirement. QGRD contributes to this framework by focusing on defined risk exposure to the Nasdaq-100.

Horizon characterizes QGRD as part of a group of strategies that allow advisors to apply the firm’s goals-based methodology across a range of risk tolerances. In particular, QGRD is highlighted as a way to gain growth exposure in the digital space with a risk-aware approach, through its combination of Nasdaq-100 exposure and options-based risk management.

About Horizon

QGRD is sponsored by Horizon, which is described as an industry-recognized firm providing modern goals-based solutions to empower financial advisors to help their clients reach financial goals. Horizon indicates that it operates at the intersection of financial technology, wealth management, and investment solutions, and that it supports advisory practices with expertise, proprietary technology, and customized support.

Horizon reports that it has advisor clients across the United States and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm emphasizes that it does not build products for their own sake, but instead focuses on offering advisors flexibility to construct customized solutions that address portfolio construction challenges.

Risk considerations

Horizon notes that investing in QGRD involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and that there is no assurance the fund will meet its objective. Investments in securities are subject to market risks that may cause prices to fluctuate, and the fund’s holdings may decline in value due to factors affecting securities markets or individual holdings.

The disclosure for Horizon ETFs explains that the value of investments in fixed income securities, and in securities whose underlying investments are fixed income securities, is expected to fluctuate with changes in interest rates. It also states that investments in options involve risks that may differ from, or be greater than, those associated with investing directly in securities, including leverage risk, tracking risk, and, for over-the-counter options, counterparty default risk. Option positions may expire worthless, which can expose the fund to significant losses.

Horizon further notes that shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price, not net asset value, and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Brokerage commissions are expected to reduce returns for investors trading ETF shares.

Use cases for advisors and investors

Horizon presents QGRD as one of several ETF strategies that can support goals-based portfolio construction. The fund’s combination of Nasdaq-100 exposure and a defined risk approach through options may be of interest to advisors looking for tools to address growth objectives while considering downside risk. Within Horizon’s broader ETF lineup, QGRD is described as part of a set of solutions that can be used to tailor portfolios to different risk profiles and financial goals.

Important investor information

Horizon’s disclosure encourages investors to consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing in QGRD or any Horizon ETF. It states that a prospectus containing this and other information is available and should be read carefully before investing. The disclosure also reiterates that investing involves risk and that there is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its stated objectives.