SMCZ vs VXUS
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $47,364.34 | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -89.33% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | -85.45% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 170.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMCZ vs VXUS Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCZ returned -85.45% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, SMCZ is down 89.33% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 170.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -97.4% for SMCZ and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 -0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCZ charges 1.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $5 annually, a gap of $124 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCZ currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMCZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 VXUS?
SMCZ has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $124 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCZ or VXUS?
Over the past year SMCZ returned -85.45% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMCZ annualized -91.21% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCZ or VXUS?
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund at 170.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMCZ -97.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMCZ and VXUS?
SMCZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCZ and VXUS?
SMCZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCZ or VXUS?
SMCZ yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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