STSM vs. AIPO

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

STSM (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short TSM ETF) and AIPO (Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STSM is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM), while AIPO is a Building & Construction fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed AI and Power Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.70, they often move in opposite directions. STSM charges 1.31%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for AIPO.

Performance

STSM vs. AIPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Short TSM ETF (STSM) and Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STSM achieves a -65.26% return, which is significantly lower than AIPO's 41.77% return.

STSM

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -13.31%
• 6M: -61.45%
• YTD: -65.26%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIPO

• 1D: 1.62%
• 1M: 1.39%
• 6M: 37.42%
• YTD: 41.77%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STSM vs. AIPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STSM Defiance Daily Target 2X Short TSM ETF	-65.26%	-19.17%
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	41.77%	-0.26%

Correlation

The correlation between STSM and AIPO is -0.70, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2025	-0.70

Return for Risk

STSM vs. AIPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Short TSM ETF (STSM) and Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO). 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.

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

Drawdowns

STSM vs. AIPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STSM drawdown since its inception was -76.23%, which is greater than AIPO's maximum drawdown of -17.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STSM and AIPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	STSM	AIPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.23%	-17.31%	-58.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-72.45%	-9.81%	-62.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-45.26%	-4.61%	-40.65%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STSM	AIPO	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	83.91%	35.99%	+47.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	83.91%	35.99%	+47.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	83.91%	35.99%	+47.92%

STSM vs. AIPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

STSM has a 1.31% expense ratio, which is higher than AIPO's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

STSM vs. AIPO - Dividend Comparison

STSM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AIPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	0.01%	0.01%
STSM Defiance Daily Target 2X Short TSM ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STSM and AIPO in my portfolio?

STSM and AIPO 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 ETF is better, STSM or AIPO?

On fees, AIPO is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STSM or AIPO?

AIPO is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 1.31% for STSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STSM or AIPO?

AIPO has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for STSM.

What is the main difference between STSM and AIPO?

STSM is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while AIPO is Building & Construction. STSM tracks Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM), while AIPO tracks MarketVector™ US Listed AI and Power Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 1.31% for STSM and 0.69% for AIPO.