PSCE vs. QTUM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PSCE (Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF) and QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSCE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Energy Index, while QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSCE returned 8.83%/yr vs 29.55%/yr for QTUM. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PSCE charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QTUM.

Performance

PSCE vs. QTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF (PSCE) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSCE achieves a 32.45% return, which is significantly lower than QTUM's 54.06% return.

PSCE

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: -9.77%
• YTD: 32.45%
• 6M: 32.62%
• 1Y: 40.46%
• 3Y*: 10.33%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: -2.41%

QTUM

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 9.88%
• YTD: 54.06%
• 6M: 50.57%
• 1Y: 94.08%
• 3Y*: 52.80%
• 5Y*: 29.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

PSCE vs. QTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PSCE Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF	32.45%	-9.00%	-5.47%	5.07%	48.45%	59.85%	-40.31%	-14.93%	-45.46%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	54.06%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-28.80%	35.18%	42.05%	47.99%	-19.44%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCE and QTUM is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2018	0.40

Over the past year, the correlation between PSCE and QTUM has dropped to 0.18 - well below their long-term average of 0.40, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PSCE vs. QTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSCE	QTUM
Energy	98.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.4%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	0.0%
Communication Services	-	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	1.0%
Industrials	-	8.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	81.6%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSCE vs. QTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCE

PSCE Risk / Return Rank: 49
PSCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PSCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
PSCE Omega Ratio Rank: 38
PSCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
PSCE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 90
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PSCE vs. QTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF (PSCE) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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.

	PSCE	QTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	3.27	-1.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	3.74	-1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.51	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	6.20	-3.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.94	22.37	-12.43

PSCE vs. QTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is lower than the QTUM Sharpe Ratio of 3.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCE and QTUM, 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

PSCE vs. QTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCE drawdown since its inception was -96.21%, which is greater than QTUM's maximum drawdown of -38.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCE and QTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCE	QTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.21%	-38.45%	-57.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.70%	-15.26%	+2.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-44.57%	-25.39%	-19.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.42%	-38.45%	-6.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-90.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-76.47%	-0.09%	-76.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-58.87%	-8.23%	-50.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.15%	4.22%	-0.07%

Volatility

PSCE vs. QTUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF (PSCE) is 8.87%, while Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a volatility of 14.55%. This indicates that PSCE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSCE	QTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.87%	14.55%	-5.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.98%	23.47%	-4.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.56%	28.95%	-1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.40%	27.13%	+10.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.22%	27.46%	+15.76%

PSCE vs. QTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCE has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than QTUM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCE vs. QTUM - Dividend Comparison

PSCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%, more than QTUM's 0.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSCE Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF	2.72%	2.39%	1.70%	2.57%	1.70%	0.46%	0.87%	0.14%	0.22%	0.04%	0.22%	0.82%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.70%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCE and QTUM in my portfolio?

PSCE and QTUM have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSCE or QTUM?

QTUM has higher volatility (14.55%) compared to PSCE (8.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCE dropped -96.21% vs QTUM's -38.45%.

Which ETF is better, PSCE or QTUM?

On 5-year performance, QTUM leads with 29.55% vs 8.83% for PSCE. On fees, PSCE is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, PSCE has been the lower-risk option at 8.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSCE or QTUM?

Over the 5-year period, QTUM has performed better with a 29.55% return vs 8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSCE or QTUM?

PSCE is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for QTUM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSCE or QTUM?

PSCE has the higher dividend yield at 2.72%, compared with 0.70% for QTUM.

What is the main difference between PSCE and QTUM?

PSCE is categorized as Energy Equities, while QTUM is Technology Equities. PSCE tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Energy Index, while QTUM tracks BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for PSCE and 0.40% for QTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.27 vs 1.48), 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.