Since its launch in September 2018, the Defiance Quantum Computing ETF (QTUM) has delivered a 354.76% cumulative total return through March 31, 2026, significantly outpacing many other technology-focused exchange-traded funds over the same period. This strong performance and growing investor interest have resulted in QTUM surpassing $4 billion in assets under management and earning a 5-star Morningstar Rating, assessed against nearly 200 peer funds. The fund provides targeted exposure to companies developing quantum hardware, software, and related technologies, increasingly viewed as foundational to the next era of artificial intelligence. Sylvia Jablonski, Chief Investment Officer of Defiance ETFs, stated that investors are rethinking what constitutes core technology exposure as demand for scalable exposure to these transformative computing technologies accelerates.
QTUM ETF Surpasses $4 Billion AUM & Earns 5-Star Morningstar Rating
This dual accomplishment signals substantial investor confidence in the burgeoning quantum computing sector and validates the fund’s risk-adjusted performance within a competitive landscape; QTUM was rated among 221 funds over three years and 199 over five years in the US Fund Technology category. Launched in September 2018, the ETF was among the first to offer rules-based exposure to companies focused on quantum hardware, machine learning, and related technologies. Recent performance shows a one-year NAV return of 44.88%, although the fund experienced a negative 8.50% return in the one month ending March 31, 2026, indicating potential short-term volatility.
Traditional tech benchmarks are heavily weighted toward software and SaaS models that could be disrupted by advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The fund’s growth is attributed to sustained net inflows, increased institutional participation, and its established position within the quantum computing ETF category.
76% Cumulative Return Since September 2018 Inception
Tangible financial metrics are beginning to emerge, demonstrating sustained investor confidence in the quantum computing sector, moving beyond initial hype. This performance is underscored by recent asset growth, with QTUM now exceeding $4 billion in assets under management. While long-term gains are substantial, recent market fluctuations indicate the sector is not immune to volatility; QTUM experienced a one-month return of negative 8.50% ending March 31, 2026. This followed a one-year NAV return of 44.88%, highlighting potential short-term price swings alongside the impressive long-term growth. QTUM is positioned as a foundational allocation for the future, encompassing companies involved in quantum hardware, software, semiconductors, and related technologies, and benefiting from increased adoption across multiple sectors.
QTUM is designed as a new core technology allocation-focused on the companies building the foundational computing infrastructure of the future, with diversified exposure across quantum, AI, and enabling technologies.
Sylvia Jablonski, Chief Investment Officer of Defiance ETFs
QTUM’s Targeted Exposure to Quantum, AI, and Semiconductor Companies
The rating considers three- and five-year periods, placing QTUM among 221 and 199 funds respectively in the US Fund Technology category. This success reflects a growing appetite for focused exposure to the rapidly evolving fields of quantum computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. QTUM differentiates itself by targeting companies involved in the development of next-generation computing infrastructure, encompassing quantum hardware, software, semiconductors, and the technologies that support them. The fund’s strategy is rules-based, aiming to track the performance of these key players as quantum computing transitions from research into practical applications spanning commercial, industrial, and national security sectors. This fluctuation underscores the nascent nature of the quantum computing sector, even as it becomes a core allocation for investors seeking exposure to transformative computing technologies, benefiting from increased adoption in areas like AI, advanced semiconductors, and cloud infrastructure, according to Defiance ETFs. The fund’s growth is fueled by sustained net inflows and expanding institutional participation, positioning it as a leader in this emerging investment category.
Traditional tech benchmarks are heavily weighted toward software and SaaS models that could be disrupted by advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Sylvia Jablonski, Chief Investment Officer of Defiance ETFs
Defiance ETFs’ Role as First-Mover in Thematic ETF Innovation
Defiance ETFs established an early foothold in a rapidly evolving investment sector, demonstrated by the $4 billion now channeled into its Quantum Computing ETF (QTUM) and validated by a 5-star Morningstar Rating as of March 31, 2026. This dual achievement, significant capital inflow coupled with independent performance assessment, highlights a growing investor appetite for specialized exposure to quantum technologies. Launched in September 2018, QTUM capitalized on the nascent stage of quantum computing, offering rules-based access to companies involved in hardware, software, and related fields. Since inception in September 2018, QTUM has delivered a 354.76% cumulative total return through March 31, 2026.
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