SMQ vs. YQQQ

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

SMQ (Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF) and YQQQ (YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMQ is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Tradr, while YQQQ is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. Both are actively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SMQ charges 1.50%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for YQQQ.

Performance

SMQ vs. YQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF (SMQ) and YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF (YQQQ). 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 YQQQ's -6.36% return.

SMQ

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

YQQQ

• 1D: 2.41%
• 1M: -2.05%
• YTD: -6.36%
• 6M: -3.98%
• 1Y: -11.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMQ vs. YQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMQ Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF	-15.77%	0.39%
YQQQ YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF	-6.36%	1.54%

Correlation

The correlation between SMQ and YQQQ is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2025	0.97

Return for Risk

SMQ vs. YQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

YQQQ

YQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 3
YQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
YQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
YQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 2
YQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
YQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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. YQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF (SMQ) and YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF (YQQQ). 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	YQQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	-0.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.47	-0.68	-0.79

Drawdowns

SMQ vs. YQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMQ drawdown since its inception was -27.62%, roughly equal to the maximum YQQQ drawdown of -28.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMQ and YQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMQ	YQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.62%	-28.21%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.66%	-26.13%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.66%	-14.28%	+6.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.70%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMQ	YQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.35%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.15%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.18%	12.75%	+6.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.18%	16.33%	+2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.18%	16.33%	+2.85%

SMQ vs. YQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMQ has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than YQQQ's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMQ vs. YQQQ - Dividend Comparison

SMQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, less than YQQQ's 28.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SMQ Tradr 1X Short Innovation 100 Monthly ETF	0.29%	0.25%	0.00%
YQQQ YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF	28.80%	31.71%	7.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMQ and YQQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SMQ and YQQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, SMQ or YQQQ?

On fees, YQQQ is cheaper at 0.99% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMQ or YQQQ?

YQQQ is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for SMQ.

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

YQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 28.80%, compared with 0.29% for SMQ.

What is the main difference between SMQ and YQQQ?

SMQ is categorized as Inverse Equities, while YQQQ is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Tradr and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 1.50% for SMQ and 0.99% for YQQQ.