SMCX vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMCX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMCX is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. SMCX is actively managed, while VGT is passively managed. Over the past year, SMCX returned -82.63% vs 46.82% for VGT. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMCX charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

SMCX vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMCX achieves a -48.60% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 23.32% return.

SMCX

• 1D: -12.21%
• 1M: -34.45%
• YTD: -48.60%
• 6M: -53.94%
• 1Y: -82.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGT

• 1D: -3.68%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 23.32%
• 6M: 21.50%
• 1Y: 46.82%
• 3Y*: 30.13%
• 5Y*: 19.51%
• 10Y*: 25.49%

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

SMCX vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMCX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF	-48.60%	-69.78%	-90.42%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	23.32%	21.77%	7.13%

Correlation

The correlation between SMCX and VGT is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 22, 2024	0.57

The correlation between SMCX and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMCX vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMCX

SMCX Risk / Return Rank: 5
SMCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SMCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
SMCX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
SMCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SMCX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 58
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF (SMCX) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.48	2.07	-2.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.02	2.61	-2.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.35	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.87	2.87	-3.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.17	8.76	-9.93

SMCX vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMCX Sharpe Ratio is -0.48, which is lower than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMCX and VGT, 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. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCX drawdown since its inception was -99.08%, which is greater than VGT's maximum drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCX and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCX	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.08%	-54.63%	-44.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-94.75%	-16.40%	-78.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.23%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.07%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-98.51%	-7.71%	-90.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-88.12%	-7.95%	-80.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	70.70%	5.36%	+65.34%

Volatility

SMCX vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF (SMCX) has a higher volatility of 105.83% compared to Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) at 11.39%. This indicates that SMCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMCX	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	105.83%	11.39%	+94.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	177.60%	18.58%	+159.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	173.86%	22.72%	+151.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	205.25%	25.55%	+179.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	205.25%	24.77%	+180.48%

SMCX vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMCX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMCX vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

SMCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.53%, more than VGT's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMCX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF	8.53%	4.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMCX and VGT in my portfolio?

SMCX and VGT have a correlation of 0.64, 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 VGT?

SMCX has higher volatility (105.83%) compared to VGT (11.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMCX dropped -99.08% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, SMCX or VGT?

On 1-year performance, VGT leads with 46.82% vs -82.63% for SMCX. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 11.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMCX or VGT?

Over the 1-year period, VGT has performed better with a 46.82% return vs -82.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMCX or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMCX.

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

SMCX has the higher dividend yield at 8.53%, compared with 0.33% for VGT.

What is the main difference between SMCX and VGT?

SMCX is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VGT is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for SMCX and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs -0.48), 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.