QQQ vs SMCZ
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Short 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 | SMCZ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.29% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 16.30% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +16.19% | -94.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.22% | -92.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.34% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 175.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -98.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 31, 2025 |
QQQ vs SMCZ Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.22% while SMCZ returned -92.22%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.19% versus a loss of 94.12% for SMCZ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 175.8% 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 -98.5% for SMCZ. 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 -0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMCZ charges 1.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $129 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 16.30% for SMCZ.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMCZ share 0 holdings out of 103 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 SMCZ?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMCZ charges 1.29%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMCZ?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.22% vs -92.22% for SMCZ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.01% vs -93.86% for SMCZ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMCZ?
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund at 175.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMCZ -98.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMCZ?
QQQ and SMCZ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMCZ?
QQQ and SMCZ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMCZ?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMCZ yields 16.30%, so SMCZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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