SMCX vs. QQQT

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SMCX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF) and QQQT (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMCX is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while QQQT is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SMCX returned -91.71% vs 23.82% for QQQT. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMCX charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for QQQT.

Performance

SMCX vs. QQQT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF (SMCX) and Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMCX achieves a -65.88% return, which is significantly lower than QQQT's 14.75% return.

SMCX

• 1D: -4.66%
• 1M: -24.17%
• 6M: -67.37%
• YTD: -65.88%
• 1Y: -91.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQT

• 1D: -1.66%
• 1M: -1.02%
• 6M: 12.63%
• YTD: 14.75%
• 1Y: 23.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMCX vs. QQQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMCX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF	-65.88%	-69.78%	-90.42%
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	14.75%	14.04%	5.09%

Correlation

The correlation between SMCX and QQQT is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 22, 2024	0.51

The correlation between SMCX and QQQT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMCX vs. QQQT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMCX

SMCX Risk / Return Rank: 4
SMCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SMCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
SMCX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
SMCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
SMCX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

QQQT

QQQT Risk / Return Rank: 49
QQQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QQQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
QQQT Omega Ratio Rank: 52
QQQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
QQQT Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

SMCX vs. QQQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF (SMCX) and Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT). 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.

	SMCX	QQQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.53	1.40	-1.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.56	1.92	-2.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	1.26	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.97	1.88	-2.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.24	6.30	-7.54

SMCX vs. QQQT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMCX Sharpe Ratio is -0.53, which is lower than the QQQT Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMCX and QQQT, 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

SMCX vs. QQQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCX drawdown since its inception was -99.10%, which is greater than QQQT's maximum drawdown of -22.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCX and QQQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCX	QQQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.10%	-22.50%	-76.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-94.88%	-12.73%	-82.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.01%	-4.21%	-94.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-88.42%	-3.96%	-84.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	73.83%	3.79%	+70.04%

Volatility

SMCX vs. QQQT - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF (SMCX) has a higher volatility of 53.34% compared to Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) at 7.88%. This indicates that SMCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMCX	QQQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	53.34%	7.88%	+45.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	179.02%	14.28%	+164.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	173.09%	17.13%	+155.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	203.52%	20.79%	+182.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	203.52%	20.79%	+182.73%

SMCX vs. QQQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMCX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQT's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMCX vs. QQQT - Dividend Comparison

SMCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.85%, less than QQQT's 20.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	20.30%	21.27%	10.35%
SMCX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF	12.85%	4.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMCX and QQQT in my portfolio?

SMCX and QQQT have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMCX or QQQT?

SMCX has higher volatility (53.34%) compared to QQQT (7.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMCX dropped -99.10% vs QQQT's -22.50%.

Which ETF is better, SMCX or QQQT?

On 1-year performance, QQQT leads with 23.82% vs -91.71% for SMCX. On fees, QQQT is cheaper at 1.05% per year. On volatility, QQQT has been the lower-risk option at 7.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMCX or QQQT?

Over the 1-year period, QQQT has performed better with a 23.82% return vs -91.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMCX or QQQT?

QQQT is cheaper with a 1.05% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMCX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMCX or QQQT?

QQQT has the higher dividend yield at 20.30%, compared with 12.85% for SMCX.

What is the main difference between SMCX and QQQT?

SMCX is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while QQQT is Nasdaq-100. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for SMCX and 1.05% for QQQT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs -0.53), 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.