SMCZ vs VTI
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 16.30% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -93.45% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -92.04% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 174.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
SMCZ vs VTI Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCZ returned -92.04% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SMCZ is down 93.45% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 174.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -98.5% for SMCZ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCZ charges 1.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $3 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCZ currently yields 16.30% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMCZ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, SMCZ or VTI?
SMCZ has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCZ or VTI?
Over the past year SMCZ returned -92.04% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMCZ annualized -93.51% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCZ or VTI?
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund at 174.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMCZ -98.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMCZ and VTI?
SMCZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCZ and VTI?
SMCZ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCZ or VTI?
SMCZ yields 16.30% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMCZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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