MSTY vs. SMCY

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MSTY (YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) and SMCY (YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF) are both Derivative Income funds from YieldMax. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSTY returned -70.33% vs -27.84% for SMCY. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.99% expense ratio.

Performance

MSTY vs. SMCY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTY achieves a -34.39% return, which is significantly lower than SMCY's -0.35% return.

MSTY

• 1D: -9.12%
• 1M: -37.97%
• YTD: -34.39%
• 6M: -36.51%
• 1Y: -70.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMCY

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: -10.03%
• YTD: -0.35%
• 6M: -3.24%
• 1Y: -27.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSTY vs. SMCY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	-34.39%	-42.71%	75.86%
SMCY YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF	-0.35%	-15.41%	-33.36%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTY and SMCY is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2024	0.37

Return for Risk

MSTY vs. SMCY — 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: 0
MSTY Omega Ratio Rank: 0
MSTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Martin Ratio Rank: 1

SMCY

SMCY Risk / Return Rank: 6
SMCY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
SMCY Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
SMCY Omega Ratio Rank: 7
SMCY Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
SMCY Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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. SMCY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) and YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY). 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	SMCY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.13	-0.39	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.17	-0.08	-2.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.76	0.99	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.95	-0.46	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.42	-0.77	-0.65

MSTY vs. SMCY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTY Sharpe Ratio is -1.13, which is lower than the SMCY Sharpe Ratio of -0.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTY and SMCY, 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. SMCY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTY drawdown since its inception was -74.21%, which is greater than SMCY's maximum drawdown of -64.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTY and SMCY.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTY	SMCY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.21%	-64.75%	-9.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-74.21%	-60.43%	-13.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-74.21%	-51.95%	-22.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.06%	-37.31%	+10.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	49.58%	36.34%	+13.24%

Volatility

MSTY vs. SMCY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) is 20.77%, while YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY) has a volatility of 41.41%. This indicates that MSTY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMCY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTY	SMCY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.77%	41.41%	-20.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	50.35%	67.08%	-16.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.64%	72.25%	-9.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.01%	80.58%	-8.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.01%	80.58%	-8.57%

MSTY vs. SMCY - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MSTY and SMCY have an expense ratio of 0.99%.

Dividends

MSTY vs. SMCY - Dividend Comparison

MSTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 314.78%, more than SMCY's 203.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	314.78%	294.61%	104.56%
SMCY YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF	203.19%	231.43%	38.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTY and SMCY in my portfolio?

MSTY and SMCY have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSTY or SMCY?

SMCY has higher volatility (41.41%) compared to MSTY (20.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTY dropped -74.21% vs SMCY's -64.75%.

Which ETF is better, MSTY or SMCY?

On 1-year performance, SMCY leads with -27.84% vs -70.33% for MSTY. Both ETFs have the same 0.99% expense ratio. On volatility, MSTY has been the lower-risk option at 20.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSTY or SMCY?

Over the 1-year period, SMCY has performed better with a -27.84% return vs -70.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSTY or SMCY?

MSTY and SMCY have the same expense ratio: 0.99% per year.

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

MSTY has the higher dividend yield at 314.78%, compared with 203.19% for SMCY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMCY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.39 vs -1.13), 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.