AIFD vs. SMCZ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AIFD (TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF) and SMCZ (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIFD is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by TCW, while SMCZ is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AIFD returned 68.32% vs -74.25% for SMCZ. At a correlation of -0.62, they often move in opposite directions. AIFD charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMCZ.

Performance

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIFD achieves a 37.01% return, which is significantly higher than SMCZ's -83.19% return.

AIFD

• 1D: -2.46%
• 1M: -3.47%
• 6M: 34.00%
• YTD: 37.01%
• 1Y: 68.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMCZ

• 1D: 4.71%
• 1M: -3.17%
• 6M: -81.70%
• YTD: -83.19%
• 1Y: -74.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AIFD TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF	37.01%	57.17%
SMCZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF	-83.19%	-62.31%

Correlation

The correlation between AIFD and SMCZ is -0.60, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2025	-0.62

The correlation between AIFD and SMCZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.62 to -0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AIFD vs. SMCZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIFD

AIFD Risk / Return Rank: 88
AIFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
AIFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
AIFD Omega Ratio Rank: 80
AIFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
AIFD Martin Ratio Rank: 93

SMCZ

SMCZ Risk / Return Rank: 5
SMCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SMCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SMCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 9
SMCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
SMCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ). 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.

	AIFD	SMCZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	-0.43	+2.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	0.11	+2.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.01	+0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.84	-0.81	+6.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.55	-1.64	+20.19

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIFD Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is higher than the SMCZ Sharpe Ratio of -0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIFD and SMCZ, 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

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIFD drawdown since its inception was -33.20%, smaller than the maximum SMCZ drawdown of -97.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIFD and SMCZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIFD	SMCZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.20%	-97.40%	+64.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.75%	-91.49%	+79.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.13%	-95.08%	+84.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.79%	-77.09%	+71.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	45.43%	-41.74%

Volatility

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD) is 12.59%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) has a volatility of 61.93%. This indicates that AIFD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMCZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIFD	SMCZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.59%	61.93%	-49.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.53%	151.92%	-128.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.91%	173.06%	-144.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.26%	173.26%	-143.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.26%	173.26%	-143.00%

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIFD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than SMCZ's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIFD vs. SMCZ - Dividend Comparison

AIFD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.08%.

Position	TTM	2025
AIFD TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%
SMCZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF	12.08%	2.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIFD and SMCZ in my portfolio?

AIFD and SMCZ have a correlation of -0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIFD or SMCZ?

SMCZ has higher volatility (61.93%) compared to AIFD (12.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIFD dropped -33.20% vs SMCZ's -97.40%.

Which ETF is better, AIFD or SMCZ?

On 1-year performance, AIFD leads with 68.32% vs -74.25% for SMCZ. On fees, AIFD is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, AIFD has been the lower-risk option at 12.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIFD or SMCZ?

Over the 1-year period, AIFD has performed better with a 68.32% return vs -74.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIFD or SMCZ?

AIFD is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMCZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIFD or SMCZ?

SMCZ has the higher dividend yield at 12.08%, compared with 0.00% for AIFD.

What is the main difference between AIFD and SMCZ?

AIFD is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMCZ is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: TCW and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AIFD and 1.29% for SMCZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIFD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs -0.43), 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.