XMAG vs. QQQY

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

XMAG (Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF) and QQQY (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XMAG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the BITA US 500 ex Magnificent 7 Index, while QQQY is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Defiance. XMAG is passively managed, while QQQY is actively managed. Over the past year, XMAG returned 24.56% vs 28.38% for QQQY. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XMAG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for QQQY.

Performance

XMAG vs. QQQY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) and Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF (QQQY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XMAG achieves a 14.15% return, which is significantly lower than QQQY's 15.16% return.

XMAG

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 14.15%
• 6M: 13.13%
• 1Y: 24.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQY

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -1.73%
• YTD: 15.16%
• 6M: 13.85%
• 1Y: 28.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XMAG vs. QQQY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XMAG Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF	14.15%	15.63%	-1.52%
QQQY Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF	15.16%	14.96%	-2.16%

Correlation

The correlation between XMAG and QQQY is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2024	0.74

The correlation between XMAG and QQQY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

XMAG vs. QQQY — Risk / Return Rank

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

XMAG

XMAG Risk / Return Rank: 78
XMAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
XMAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
XMAG Omega Ratio Rank: 73
XMAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
XMAG Martin Ratio Rank: 84

QQQY

QQQY Risk / Return Rank: 62
QQQY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
QQQY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
QQQY Omega Ratio Rank: 66
QQQY Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
QQQY Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

XMAG vs. QQQY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) and Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF (QQQY). 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.

	XMAG	QQQY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	1.81	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	2.32	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.34	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	2.56	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.86	10.30	+4.56

XMAG vs. QQQY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XMAG Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the QQQY Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XMAG and QQQY, 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

XMAG vs. QQQY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XMAG drawdown since its inception was -16.17%, smaller than the maximum QQQY drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XMAG and QQQY.

Drawdown Indicators

	XMAG	QQQY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.17%	-19.05%	+2.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.29%	-11.14%	+3.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.63%	+3.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.08%	-2.91%	+0.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.66%	2.76%	-1.10%

Volatility

XMAG vs. QQQY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) is 4.44%, while Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF (QQQY) has a volatility of 8.38%. This indicates that XMAG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XMAG	QQQY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	8.38%	-3.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.25%	13.62%	-4.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.67%	15.78%	-4.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.18%	15.38%	-0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.18%	15.38%	-0.20%

XMAG vs. QQQY - Expense Ratio Comparison

XMAG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

XMAG vs. QQQY - Dividend Comparison

XMAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than QQQY's 36.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
QQQY Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF	36.24%	45.34%	83.34%	20.64%
XMAG Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF	0.45%	0.51%	0.24%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XMAG and QQQY in my portfolio?

XMAG and QQQY have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XMAG or QQQY?

QQQY has higher volatility (8.38%) compared to XMAG (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XMAG dropped -16.17% vs QQQY's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, XMAG or QQQY?

On 1-year performance, QQQY leads with 28.38% vs 24.56% for XMAG. On fees, XMAG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XMAG has been the lower-risk option at 4.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XMAG or QQQY?

Over the 1-year period, QQQY has performed better with a 28.38% return vs 24.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XMAG or QQQY?

XMAG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for QQQY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XMAG or QQQY?

QQQY has the higher dividend yield at 36.24%, compared with 0.45% for XMAG.

What is the main difference between XMAG and QQQY?

XMAG is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QQQY is Nasdaq-100. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XMAG and 0.99% for QQQY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XMAG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.81), 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.