AETH vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

AETH (Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AETH is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Bitwise, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AETH returned -23.44% vs 223.39% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.41, they often move in opposite directions. AETH charges 0.90%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

AETH vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) 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, AETH achieves a -15.21% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -36.68% return.

AETH

• 1D: 5.99%
• 1M: -6.11%
• 6M: -17.26%
• YTD: -15.21%
• 1Y: -23.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: -12.10%
• 1M: 26.91%
• 6M: -13.52%
• YTD: -36.68%
• 1Y: 223.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AETH vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	-15.21%	-0.11%	25.96%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-36.68%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between AETH and SMST is -0.45, 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	-0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.41

Return for Risk

AETH vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

AETH

AETH Risk / Return Rank: 5
AETH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
AETH Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
AETH Omega Ratio Rank: 4
AETH Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
AETH Martin Ratio Rank: 6

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 56
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

AETH vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) 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.

	AETH	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.54	1.51	-2.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.61	2.28	-2.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.30	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.46	2.63	-3.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.68	5.07	-5.76

AETH vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AETH Sharpe Ratio is -0.54, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AETH 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

AETH vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AETH drawdown since its inception was -51.08%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AETH and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	AETH	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.08%	-99.25%	+48.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-51.08%	-85.39%	+34.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.23%	-97.51%	+50.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.55%	-90.91%	+65.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	34.38%	44.25%	-9.87%

Volatility

AETH vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) is 9.91%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 57.45%. This indicates that AETH 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

	AETH	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.91%	57.45%	-47.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.03%	136.03%	-110.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.25%	149.51%	-106.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.94%	167.79%	-113.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.94%	167.79%	-113.85%

AETH vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

AETH has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

AETH vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

AETH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.84%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	2.84%	2.41%	14.73%	6.64%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AETH and SMST in my portfolio?

AETH and SMST have a correlation of -0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AETH or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (57.45%) compared to AETH (9.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AETH dropped -51.08% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, AETH or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.39% vs -23.44% for AETH. On fees, AETH is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, AETH has been the lower-risk option at 9.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AETH or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.39% return vs -23.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AETH or SMST?

AETH is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

AETH has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between AETH and SMST?

AETH is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for AETH and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs -0.54), 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.