MSTY vs. MSTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSTY (YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) and MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSTY is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax, while MSTX is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSTY returned -66.58% vs -96.70% for MSTX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MSTY charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for MSTX.

Performance

MSTY vs. MSTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF (MSTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTY achieves a -27.80% return, which is significantly higher than MSTX's -71.19% return.

MSTY

• 1D: -4.55%
• 1M: -31.74%
• YTD: -27.80%
• 6M: -29.80%
• 1Y: -66.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSTX

• 1D: -10.71%
• 1M: -61.25%
• YTD: -71.19%
• 6M: -73.53%
• 1Y: -96.70%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSTY vs. MSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	-27.80%	-42.71%	76.97%
MSTX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF	-71.19%	-89.06%	134.05%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTY and MSTX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2024	0.99

The correlation between MSTY and MSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSTY vs. MSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSTY

MSTY Risk / Return Rank: 1
MSTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Martin Ratio Rank: 2

MSTX

MSTX Risk / Return Rank: 2
MSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
MSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
MSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
MSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

MSTY vs. MSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF (MSTX). 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.

	MSTY	MSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.08	-0.67	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.96	-2.26	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.79	0.76	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.93	-0.99	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.35	-1.23	-0.12

MSTY vs. MSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTY Sharpe Ratio is -1.08, which is lower than the MSTX Sharpe Ratio of -0.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTY and MSTX, 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

MSTY vs. MSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTY drawdown since its inception was -71.79%, smaller than the maximum MSTX drawdown of -99.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTY and MSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTY	MSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.79%	-99.11%	+27.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-71.79%	-97.76%	+25.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-71.62%	-99.11%	+27.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.97%	-70.60%	+43.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	49.36%	78.39%	-29.03%

Volatility

MSTY vs. MSTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) is 19.32%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF (MSTX) has a volatility of 44.91%. This indicates that MSTY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTY	MSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.32%	44.91%	-25.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	49.66%	114.95%	-65.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.02%	143.60%	-81.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	71.82%	167.05%	-95.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	71.82%	167.05%	-95.23%

MSTY vs. MSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSTY has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTX's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSTY vs. MSTX - Dividend Comparison

MSTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 286.06%, while MSTX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MSTX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	41.01%
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	286.06%	294.61%	104.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTY and MSTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, MSTY and MSTX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MSTY or MSTX?

MSTX has higher volatility (44.91%) compared to MSTY (19.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTY dropped -71.79% vs MSTX's -99.11%.

Which ETF is better, MSTY or MSTX?

On 1-year performance, MSTY leads with -66.58% vs -96.70% for MSTX. On fees, MSTY is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, MSTY has been the lower-risk option at 19.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSTY or MSTX?

Over the 1-year period, MSTY has performed better with a -66.58% return vs -96.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSTY or MSTX?

MSTY is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for MSTX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSTY or MSTX?

MSTY has the higher dividend yield at 286.06%, compared with 0.00% for MSTX.

What is the main difference between MSTY and MSTX?

MSTY is categorized as Derivative Income, while MSTX is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for MSTY and 1.29% for MSTX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.67 vs -1.08), 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.