DEFI vs. SCUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DEFI (Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF) and SCUS (Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DEFI is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the HDEFI – Hashdex U.S. Bitcoin Futures Fund Benchmark Index, while SCUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Charles Schwab. DEFI is passively managed, while SCUS is actively managed. Over the past year, DEFI returned -37.17% vs 3.94% for SCUS. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. DEFI charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for SCUS.

Performance

DEFI vs. SCUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF (DEFI) and Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF (SCUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DEFI achieves a -26.22% return, which is significantly lower than SCUS's 1.49% return.

DEFI

• 1D: 2.51%
• 1M: -15.04%
• YTD: -26.22%
• 6M: -26.98%
• 1Y: -37.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCUS

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.49%
• 6M: 1.61%
• 1Y: 3.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DEFI vs. SCUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DEFI Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF	-26.22%	-6.87%	57.54%
SCUS Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF	1.49%	4.51%	2.00%

Correlation

The correlation between DEFI and SCUS is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 13, 2024	-0.10

Return for Risk

DEFI vs. SCUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEFI

DEFI Risk / Return Rank: 3
DEFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
DEFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
DEFI Omega Ratio Rank: 3
DEFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
DEFI Martin Ratio Rank: 3

SCUS

SCUS Risk / Return Rank: 99
SCUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SCUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
SCUS Omega Ratio Rank: 98
SCUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SCUS Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

DEFI vs. SCUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF (DEFI) and Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF (SCUS). 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.

	DEFI	SCUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.84	5.84	-6.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.12	11.18	-12.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.87	2.56	-1.68
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.72	23.76	-24.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.23	102.91	-104.14

DEFI vs. SCUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEFI Sharpe Ratio is -0.84, which is lower than the SCUS Sharpe Ratio of 5.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEFI and SCUS, 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

DEFI vs. SCUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEFI drawdown since its inception was -51.95%, which is greater than SCUS's maximum drawdown of -0.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEFI and SCUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEFI	SCUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.95%	-0.17%	-51.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-51.95%	-0.17%	-51.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.64%	-0.08%	-48.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.15%	-0.02%	-17.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.31%	0.04%	+30.27%

Volatility

DEFI vs. SCUS - Volatility Comparison

Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF (DEFI) has a higher volatility of 12.89% compared to Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF (SCUS) at 0.22%. This indicates that DEFI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DEFI	SCUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.89%	0.22%	+12.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.83%	0.50%	+34.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.52%	0.68%	+43.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.89%	0.71%	+48.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.89%	0.71%	+48.18%

DEFI vs. SCUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEFI has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than SCUS's 0.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEFI vs. SCUS - Dividend Comparison

DEFI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SCUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.91%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
DEFI Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCUS Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF	3.91%	4.17%	1.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEFI and SCUS in my portfolio?

DEFI and SCUS have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DEFI or SCUS?

DEFI has higher volatility (12.89%) compared to SCUS (0.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEFI dropped -51.95% vs SCUS's -0.17%.

Which ETF is better, DEFI or SCUS?

On 1-year performance, SCUS leads with 3.94% vs -37.17% for DEFI. On fees, SCUS is cheaper at 0.14% per year. On volatility, SCUS has been the lower-risk option at 0.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DEFI or SCUS?

Over the 1-year period, SCUS has performed better with a 3.94% return vs -37.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEFI or SCUS?

SCUS is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for DEFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DEFI or SCUS?

SCUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.91%, compared with 0.00% for DEFI.

What is the main difference between DEFI and SCUS?

DEFI is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SCUS is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Hashdex and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for DEFI and 0.14% for SCUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.84 vs -0.84), 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.