ACES vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ACES (ALPS Clean Energy ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ACES is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. ACES is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, ACES returned 20.15% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.41, they often move in opposite directions. ACES charges 0.55%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

ACES vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACES achieves a 0.52% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -27.96% return.

ACES

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -11.74%
• 6M: -7.21%
• YTD: 0.52%
• 1Y: 20.15%
• 3Y*: -11.16%
• 5Y*: -13.36%
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 5.26%
• 1M: 44.38%
• 6M: -15.07%
• YTD: -27.96%
• 1Y: 240.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ACES vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ACES ALPS Clean Energy ETF	0.52%	25.44%	-6.79%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between ACES and SMST is -0.44, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.41

Return for Risk

ACES vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ACES

ACES Risk / Return Rank: 22
ACES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
ACES Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
ACES Omega Ratio Rank: 21
ACES Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
ACES Martin Ratio Rank: 23

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 60
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 43

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ACES vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ACES	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.59	1.62	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	2.33	-1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.30	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.84	2.83	-1.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.27	5.47	-3.20

ACES vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACES Sharpe Ratio is 0.59, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACES and SMST, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ACES vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACES drawdown since its inception was -79.05%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACES and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACES	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.05%	-99.25%	+20.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.13%	-85.39%	+61.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-74.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-65.96%	-97.17%	+31.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-39.16%	-90.89%	+51.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.88%	44.09%	-35.21%

Volatility

ACES vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is 9.99%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that ACES experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACES	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.99%	56.59%	-46.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.42%	135.88%	-110.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.17%	149.23%	-115.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.58%	167.74%	-131.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.70%	167.74%	-132.04%

ACES vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACES has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACES vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

ACES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.68%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ACES ALPS Clean Energy ETF	0.68%	0.70%	1.10%	1.44%	1.08%	0.71%	0.56%	1.79%	0.34%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACES and SMST in my portfolio?

ACES and SMST have a correlation of -0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ACES or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to ACES (9.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACES dropped -79.05% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, ACES or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs 20.15% for ACES. On fees, ACES is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ACES has been the lower-risk option at 9.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ACES or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 20.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACES or SMST?

ACES is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACES or SMST?

ACES has the higher dividend yield at 0.68%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between ACES and SMST?

ACES is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ACES and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 0.59), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.