SMCZ vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SMCZ or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCZ | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $3M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 37.25% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 7 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -89.70% | +13.91%Best |
| 1Y Return | -85.98% | +17.57%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.12% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 181.3% | 8.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -98.7% | -11.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $393 | $12,953Best |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2025 to Sep 11, 2026 (1.4 years).
SMCZ vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.4 years both funds cover.
SMCZ vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) is an ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCZ returned -85.98% while VYM returned +17.57%. Year to date, SMCZ is down 89.70% versus a gain of 13.91% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 181.3% compared with 8.6% for VYM. 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 -98.7% for SMCZ and -11.3% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.22. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCZ charges 1.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $4 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCZ currently yields 37.25% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SMCZ and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMCZ or VYM?
SMCZ has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $125 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SMCZ or VYM?
Over the past year SMCZ returned -85.98% vs +17.57% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMCZ annualized -90.10% vs +20.30% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SMCZ or VYM?
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund at 181.3% annualized versus 8.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMCZ -98.7% vs VYM -11.3%.
Should I hold both SMCZ and VYM?
SMCZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.22, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCZ or VYM?
SMCZ yields 37.25% while VYM yields 2.22%, so SMCZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SMCZ?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.