QQQ vs SMCZ
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF
Which is better, QQQ or SMCZ?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.57, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | QQQ | SMCZ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18%Best | 1.55% |
| AUM | $506.1B | $15,229.23 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 25.48% |
| Holdings | 321 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +19.30%Best | -94.44% |
| 1Y Return | +22.47%Best | -87.89% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.18% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.42% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3%Best | 167.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -12.6% | - |
| $10,000 over 1.5 years | $15,369Best | $209 |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 31, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.5 years).
QQQ vs SMCZ 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 1.5 years both funds cover.
QQQ vs SMCZ Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) is an ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.47% while SMCZ returned -87.89%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.30% versus a loss of 94.44% for SMCZ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 167.6% compared with 19.3% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.57. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMCZ charges 1.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $155 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.42% against 25.48% for SMCZ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 101 holdings in QQQ and 1 in SMCZ, totalling 99.6% and 7.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in QQQ and 1 in SMCZ, against full books of 321 and 14.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QQQ and SMCZ 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, QQQ or SMCZ?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMCZ charges 1.55%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $137 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMCZ?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.47% vs -87.89% for SMCZ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +33.18% vs -92.41% for SMCZ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMCZ?
SMCZ has been the more volatile fund at 167.6% annualized versus 19.3% for QQQ.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMCZ?
QQQ and SMCZ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.57, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMCZ?
QQQ yields 0.42% while SMCZ yields 25.48%, so SMCZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMCZ better than QQQ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.57, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.