VSTL vs. QQQT

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and QQQT (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSTL is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while QQQT is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for QQQT.

Performance

VSTL vs. QQQT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) 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, VSTL achieves a -23.84% return, which is significantly lower than QQQT's 16.69% return.

VSTL

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: 12.67%
• 6M: -26.65%
• YTD: -23.84%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQT

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 1.28%
• 6M: 14.60%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 1Y: 25.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSTL vs. QQQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	-23.84%	-37.40%
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	16.69%	6.41%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTL and QQQT is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 22, 2025	0.37

Return for Risk

VSTL vs. QQQT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSTL

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

QQQT

QQQT Risk / Return Rank: 53
QQQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
QQQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
QQQT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
QQQT Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

VSTL vs. QQQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) 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.

	VSTL	QQQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.52	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.07	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.29	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.03	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.83	—

Drawdowns

VSTL vs. QQQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, which is greater than QQQT's maximum drawdown of -22.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and QQQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTL	QQQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.42%	-22.50%	-48.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.64%	-2.60%	-60.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-42.41%	-3.96%	-38.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.78%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSTL	QQQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.78%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	97.22%	17.00%	+80.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	97.22%	20.78%	+76.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	97.22%	20.78%	+76.44%

VSTL vs. QQQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VSTL vs. QQQT - Dividend Comparison

VSTL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QQQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.96%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	19.96%	21.27%	10.35%
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTL and QQQT in my portfolio?

VSTL and QQQT have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VSTL or QQQT?

On fees, QQQT is cheaper at 1.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSTL or QQQT?

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

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

QQQT has the higher dividend yield at 19.96%, compared with 0.00% for VSTL.

What is the main difference between VSTL and QQQT?

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