AKRE vs. SMST

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AKRE (Akre Focus ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AKRE is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Akre Capital, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.21, they often move in opposite directions. AKRE charges 0.98%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

AKRE vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Akre Focus ETF (AKRE) 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, AKRE achieves a -19.94% return, which is significantly lower than SMST's -5.14% return.

AKRE

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: -3.10%
• YTD: -19.94%
• 6M: -20.85%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 18.45%
• 1M: 181.70%
• YTD: -5.14%
• 6M: 2.86%
• 1Y: 236.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AKRE vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AKRE Akre Focus ETF	-19.94%	-3.06%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-5.14%	178.93%

Correlation

The correlation between AKRE and SMST is -0.21, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2025	-0.21

Return for Risk

AKRE vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

AKRE

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 53
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

AKRE vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Akre Focus ETF (AKRE) 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.

	AKRE	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.63	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.35	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.79	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	5.52	—

Drawdowns

AKRE vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AKRE drawdown since its inception was -24.18%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AKRE and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	AKRE	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.18%	-99.25%	+75.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-85.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.53%	-96.27%	+73.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.59%	-90.74%	+77.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	43.15%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AKRE	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	46.13%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	130.40%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.56%	146.32%	-125.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.56%	167.25%	-146.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.56%	167.25%	-146.69%

AKRE vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

AKRE has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

AKRE vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

Neither AKRE nor SMST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AKRE and SMST in my portfolio?

AKRE and SMST have a correlation of -0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AKRE or SMST?

On fees, AKRE is cheaper at 0.98% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AKRE or SMST?

AKRE is cheaper with a 0.98% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

AKRE and SMST have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between AKRE and SMST?

AKRE is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Akre Capital and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for AKRE and 1.29% for SMST.