ARCX vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

ARCX (Tradr 2X Long ACHR Daily ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARCX is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Tradr, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ARCX returned -89.37% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.46, they often move in opposite directions. ARCX charges 1.30%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

ARCX vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long ACHR Daily ETF (ARCX) 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, ARCX achieves a -70.58% return, which is significantly lower than SMST's -31.56% return.

ARCX

• 1D: -4.14%
• 1M: -17.29%
• 6M: -78.33%
• YTD: -70.58%
• 1Y: -89.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: -1.67%
• 1M: 37.17%
• 6M: -24.18%
• YTD: -31.56%
• 1Y: 223.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ARCX vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ARCX Tradr 2X Long ACHR Daily ETF	-70.58%	-71.53%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	256.24%

Correlation

The correlation between ARCX and SMST is -0.48, 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	-0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2025	-0.46

Return for Risk

ARCX vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARCX

ARCX Risk / Return Rank: 2
ARCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ARCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
ARCX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
ARCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
ARCX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 53
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
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.

ARCX vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long ACHR Daily ETF (ARCX) 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.

	ARCX	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.66	1.37	-2.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.40	2.22	-3.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	1.29	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.96	2.39	-3.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.24	4.64	-5.88

ARCX vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARCX Sharpe Ratio is -0.66, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARCX 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

ARCX vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARCX drawdown since its inception was -93.31%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARCX and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARCX	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-93.31%	-99.25%	+5.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-93.31%	-85.39%	-7.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-93.31%	-97.31%	+4.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-66.68%	-90.88%	+24.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	72.59%	43.98%	+28.61%

Volatility

ARCX vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Tradr 2X Long ACHR Daily ETF (ARCX) is 39.39%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that ARCX 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

	ARCX	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	39.39%	56.47%	-17.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	90.69%	135.94%	-45.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	137.47%	149.09%	-11.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	140.36%	167.87%	-27.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	140.36%	167.87%	-27.51%

ARCX vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARCX has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARCX vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARCX nor SMST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARCX and SMST in my portfolio?

ARCX and SMST have a correlation of -0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARCX or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to ARCX (39.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARCX dropped -93.31% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, ARCX or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs -89.37% for ARCX. On fees, SMST is cheaper at 1.29% per year. On volatility, ARCX has been the lower-risk option at 39.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARCX or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs -89.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARCX or SMST?

SMST is cheaper with a 1.29% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for ARCX.

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

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

What is the main difference between ARCX and SMST?

ARCX is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Tradr and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 1.30% for ARCX and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs -0.66), 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.