QQQ vs SMCX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMCX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.43% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $261M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 6.61% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 12 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | -44.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | -80.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 188.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -99.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 21, 2024 |
QQQ vs SMCX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF (SMCX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while SMCX returned -80.38%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a loss of 44.64% for SMCX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 188.0% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -99.2% for SMCX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMCX charges 1.43%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $143 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 6.61% for SMCX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMCX share 0 holdings out of 105 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SMCX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMCX charges 1.43%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMCX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs -80.38% for SMCX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs -86.38% for SMCX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMCX?
SMCX has been the more volatile fund at 188.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMCX -99.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMCX?
QQQ and SMCX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMCX?
QQQ and SMCX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMCX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMCX yields 6.61%, so SMCX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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