ASEA vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

ASEA (Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASEA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. ASEA is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, ASEA returned 30.08% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.23, they often move in opposite directions. ASEA charges 0.65%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

ASEA vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) 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, ASEA achieves a 14.99% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.56% return.

ASEA

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 5.78%
• 6M: 13.02%
• YTD: 14.99%
• 1Y: 30.08%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 12.12%
• 10Y*: 7.49%

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)

ASEA vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ASEA Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF	14.99%	19.80%	-0.36%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between ASEA and SMST is -0.27, 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	-0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.23

Return for Risk

ASEA vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASEA

ASEA Risk / Return Rank: 81
ASEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
ASEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
ASEA Omega Ratio Rank: 81
ASEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
ASEA Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

ASEA vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) 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.

	ASEA	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	1.37	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.22	+0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.29	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.77	2.39	+1.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.99	4.64	+5.35

ASEA vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASEA Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASEA 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

ASEA vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASEA drawdown since its inception was -44.16%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASEA and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASEA	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.16%	-99.25%	+55.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.28%	-85.39%	+77.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.20%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.20%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-97.31%	+97.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.60%	-90.88%	+80.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	43.98%	-40.86%

Volatility

ASEA vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) is 4.01%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that ASEA 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

	ASEA	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	56.47%	-52.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.61%	135.94%	-124.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.47%	149.09%	-134.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.72%	167.87%	-153.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.48%	167.87%	-150.39%

ASEA vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASEA has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASEA vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

ASEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.76%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASEA Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF	3.76%	3.95%	3.61%	3.76%	2.23%	4.19%	2.27%	2.51%	3.08%	1.59%	2.78%	3.64%
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%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASEA and SMST in my portfolio?

ASEA and SMST have a correlation of -0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASEA or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to ASEA (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASEA dropped -44.16% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, ASEA or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs 30.08% for ASEA. On fees, ASEA is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, ASEA has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASEA or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs 30.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASEA or SMST?

ASEA is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

ASEA has the higher dividend yield at 3.76%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between ASEA and SMST?

ASEA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for ASEA and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.37), 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.