SMQ vs. CARD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

SMQ (Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF) and CARD (Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN) are both Inverse Equities funds. SMQ is actively managed, while CARD is passively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMQ charges 1.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for CARD.

Performance

SMQ vs. CARD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF (SMQ) and Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (CARD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMQ achieves a -15.77% return, which is significantly lower than CARD's 2.62% return.

SMQ

• 1D: 4.62%
• 1M: -3.50%
• YTD: -15.77%
• 6M: -14.26%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CARD

• 1D: 6.19%
• 1M: -1.41%
• YTD: 2.62%
• 6M: 6.48%
• 1Y: -37.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMQ vs. CARD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMQ Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF	-15.77%	0.39%
CARD Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	2.62%	-9.12%

Correlation

The correlation between SMQ and CARD is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2025	0.66

Return for Risk

SMQ vs. CARD — Risk / Return Rank

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

CARD

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

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.

SMQ vs. CARD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF (SMQ) and Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (CARD). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMQ	CARD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	-0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.47	-0.64	-0.83

Drawdowns

SMQ vs. CARD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMQ drawdown since its inception was -27.62%, smaller than the maximum CARD drawdown of -93.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMQ and CARD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMQ	CARD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.62%	-93.51%	+65.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-49.57%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.66%	-92.29%	+68.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.66%	-68.20%	+60.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	34.14%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMQ	CARD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	22.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	49.91%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.18%	68.83%	-49.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.18%	80.51%	-61.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.18%	80.51%	-61.33%

SMQ vs. CARD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMQ has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than CARD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMQ vs. CARD - Dividend Comparison

SMQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, while CARD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
CARD Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%
SMQ Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF	0.29%	0.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMQ and CARD in my portfolio?

SMQ and CARD have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMQ or CARD?

On fees, CARD is cheaper at 0.95% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMQ or CARD?

CARD is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for SMQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMQ or CARD?

SMQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.29%, compared with 0.00% for CARD.

What is the main difference between SMQ and CARD?

They also come from different issuers: Tradr and Max. Their fees differ too: 1.50% for SMQ and 0.95% for CARD.