SMCZ vs. QQQT

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SMCZ (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF) and QQQT (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMCZ is a Inverse 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, SMCZ returned -74.25% vs 23.82% for QQQT. At a correlation of -0.57, they often move in opposite directions. SMCZ charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for QQQT.

Performance

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) 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, SMCZ achieves a -83.19% return, which is significantly lower than QQQT's 14.75% return.

SMCZ

• 1D: 4.71%
• 1M: -3.17%
• 6M: -81.70%
• YTD: -83.19%
• 1Y: -74.25%
• 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)

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMCZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF	-83.19%	-62.31%
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	14.75%	24.70%

Correlation

The correlation between SMCZ and QQQT is -0.56, 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	-0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2025	-0.57

The correlation between SMCZ and QQQT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.57 to -0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMCZ vs. QQQT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMCZ

SMCZ Risk / Return Rank: 5
SMCZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SMCZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SMCZ Omega Ratio Rank: 9
SMCZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
SMCZ Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) 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.

	SMCZ	QQQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.43	1.40	-1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.11	1.92	-1.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.26	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.81	1.88	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.64	6.30	-7.93

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMCZ Sharpe Ratio is -0.43, which is lower than the QQQT Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMCZ 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

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCZ drawdown since its inception was -97.40%, which is greater than QQQT's maximum drawdown of -22.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCZ and QQQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCZ	QQQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.40%	-22.50%	-74.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-91.49%	-12.73%	-78.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.08%	-4.21%	-90.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-77.09%	-3.96%	-73.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	45.43%	3.79%	+41.64%

Volatility

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) has a higher volatility of 61.93% compared to Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) at 7.88%. This indicates that SMCZ'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

	SMCZ	QQQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	61.93%	7.88%	+54.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	151.92%	14.28%	+137.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	173.06%	17.13%	+155.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	173.26%	20.79%	+152.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	173.26%	20.79%	+152.47%

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SMCZ vs. QQQT - Dividend Comparison

SMCZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.08%, less than QQQT's 20.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	20.30%	21.27%	10.35%
SMCZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF	12.08%	2.03%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMCZ and QQQT in my portfolio?

SMCZ and QQQT have a correlation of -0.56, 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 QQQT?

SMCZ has higher volatility (61.93%) compared to QQQT (7.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMCZ dropped -97.40% vs QQQT's -22.50%.

Which ETF is better, SMCZ or QQQT?

On 1-year performance, QQQT leads with 23.82% vs -74.25% for SMCZ. 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, SMCZ or QQQT?

Over the 1-year period, QQQT has performed better with a 23.82% return vs -74.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMCZ or QQQT?

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

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

QQQT has the higher dividend yield at 20.30%, compared with 12.08% for SMCZ.

What is the main difference between SMCZ and QQQT?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs -0.43), 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.