SMCZ vs. AIBU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SMCZ (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF) and AIBU (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - SMCZ is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while AIBU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive US AI & Big Data Index. SMCZ is actively managed, while AIBU is passively managed. Over the past year, SMCZ returned -62.54% vs 34.94% for AIBU. At a correlation of -0.66, they often move in opposite directions. SMCZ charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for AIBU.

Performance

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) and Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMCZ achieves a -79.42% return, which is significantly lower than AIBU's 17.63% return.

SMCZ

• 1D: 15.76%
• 1M: 9.56%
• 6M: -78.30%
• YTD: -79.42%
• 1Y: -62.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIBU

• 1D: -5.10%
• 1M: -10.04%
• 6M: 15.47%
• YTD: 17.63%
• 1Y: 34.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMCZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF	-79.42%	-62.31%
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	17.63%	86.50%

Correlation

The correlation between SMCZ and AIBU is -0.64, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2025	-0.66

The correlation between SMCZ and AIBU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.66 to -0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMCZ vs. AIBU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMCZ

SMCZ Risk / Return Rank: 7
SMCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
SMCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
SMCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 13
SMCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
SMCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 2

AIBU

AIBU Risk / Return Rank: 23
AIBU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
AIBU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
AIBU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
AIBU Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
AIBU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) and Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU). 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.

	SMCZ	AIBU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.36	0.69	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.44	1.20	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.15	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.69	0.72	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.35	1.68	-3.03

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMCZ Sharpe Ratio is -0.36, which is lower than the AIBU Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMCZ and AIBU, 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

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCZ drawdown since its inception was -97.40%, which is greater than AIBU's maximum drawdown of -51.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCZ and AIBU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCZ	AIBU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.40%	-51.17%	-46.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-91.49%	-48.71%	-42.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-93.98%	-24.00%	-69.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-77.25%	-13.97%	-63.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	46.19%	20.88%	+25.31%

Volatility

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) has a higher volatility of 60.25% compared to Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) at 14.80%. This indicates that SMCZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AIBU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMCZ	AIBU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	60.25%	14.80%	+45.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	152.52%	40.35%	+112.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	172.96%	51.18%	+121.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	173.11%	55.79%	+117.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	173.11%	55.79%	+117.32%

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMCZ has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than AIBU's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMCZ vs. AIBU - Dividend Comparison

SMCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.87%, more than AIBU's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	1.83%	2.27%	1.33%
SMCZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF	9.87%	2.03%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMCZ and AIBU in my portfolio?

SMCZ and AIBU 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, SMCZ or AIBU?

SMCZ has higher volatility (60.25%) compared to AIBU (14.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMCZ dropped -97.40% vs AIBU's -51.17%.

Which ETF is better, SMCZ or AIBU?

On 1-year performance, AIBU leads with 34.94% vs -62.54% for SMCZ. On fees, AIBU is cheaper at 0.96% per year. On volatility, AIBU has been the lower-risk option at 14.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMCZ or AIBU?

Over the 1-year period, AIBU has performed better with a 34.94% return vs -62.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMCZ or AIBU?

AIBU is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMCZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMCZ or AIBU?

SMCZ has the higher dividend yield at 9.87%, compared with 1.83% for AIBU.

What is the main difference between SMCZ and AIBU?

SMCZ is categorized as Inverse Equities, while AIBU is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for SMCZ and 0.96% for AIBU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIBU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 vs -0.36), 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.