STCE vs. QTUM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

STCE (Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF) and QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STCE is a Blockchain fund tracking the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, STCE returned 57.39%/yr vs 48.15%/yr for QTUM. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STCE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QTUM.

Performance

STCE vs. QTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STCE achieves a 26.55% return, which is significantly lower than QTUM's 47.39% return.

STCE

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 3.35%
• YTD: 26.55%
• 6M: 11.67%
• 1Y: 70.97%
• 3Y*: 57.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QTUM

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 9.88%
• YTD: 47.39%
• 6M: 45.72%
• 1Y: 82.93%
• 3Y*: 48.15%
• 5Y*: 28.09%
• 10Y*: —

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

STCE vs. QTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	26.55%	36.12%	41.76%	108.65%	-40.98%
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	47.39%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-12.39%

Correlation

The correlation between STCE and QTUM is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2022	0.67

The correlation between STCE and QTUM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

STCE vs. QTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	STCE	QTUM
Financial Services	67.8%	-
Technology	27.3%	85.1%
Communication Services	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.6%
Industrials	-	8.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

STCE vs. QTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

STCE

STCE Risk / Return Rank: 32
STCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
STCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
STCE Omega Ratio Rank: 35
STCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
STCE Martin Ratio Rank: 22

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 90
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

STCE vs. QTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) and Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM). 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.

	STCE	QTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	2.94	-1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	3.45	-1.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.46	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.32	5.46	-4.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.35	19.77	-17.42

STCE vs. QTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the QTUM Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STCE and QTUM, 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

STCE vs. QTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STCE drawdown since its inception was -54.11%, which is greater than QTUM's maximum drawdown of -38.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STCE and QTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	STCE	QTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.11%	-38.45%	-15.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.11%	-15.26%	-38.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.11%	-25.39%	-28.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.70%	-4.42%	-24.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.03%	-8.24%	-13.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.29%	4.21%	+26.08%

Volatility

STCE vs. QTUM - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) has a higher volatility of 18.44% compared to Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) at 14.18%. This indicates that STCE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STCE	QTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.44%	14.18%	+4.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	44.42%	23.17%	+21.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.19%	28.39%	+33.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	56.12%	26.99%	+29.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	56.12%	27.40%	+28.72%

STCE vs. QTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

STCE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than QTUM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

STCE vs. QTUM - Dividend Comparison

STCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, more than QTUM's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.73%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	1.55%	1.96%	0.64%	0.31%	1.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STCE and QTUM in my portfolio?

STCE and QTUM have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STCE or QTUM?

STCE has higher volatility (18.44%) compared to QTUM (14.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STCE dropped -54.11% vs QTUM's -38.45%.

Which ETF is better, STCE or QTUM?

On 3-year performance, STCE leads with 57.39% vs 48.15% for QTUM. On fees, STCE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, QTUM has been the lower-risk option at 14.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STCE or QTUM?

Over the 3-year period, STCE has performed better with a 57.39% return vs 48.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STCE or QTUM?

STCE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for QTUM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STCE or QTUM?

STCE has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 0.73% for QTUM.

What is the main difference between STCE and QTUM?

STCE is categorized as Blockchain, while QTUM is Technology Equities. STCE tracks Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while QTUM tracks BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for STCE and 0.40% for QTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 1.15), 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.