ASIA vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ASIA (Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund actively managed by Matthews, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ASIA returned 41.39% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.37, they often move in opposite directions. ASIA charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

ASIA vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) 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, ASIA achieves a 19.88% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -27.96% return.

ASIA

• 1D: -3.99%
• 1M: -6.33%
• 6M: 12.73%
• YTD: 19.88%
• 1Y: 41.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

ASIA vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ASIA Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF	19.88%	32.06%	-0.10%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between ASIA and SMST is -0.38, 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	-0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.37

Return for Risk

ASIA vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASIA

ASIA Risk / Return Rank: 62
ASIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ASIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
ASIA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
ASIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
ASIA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

ASIA vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) 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.

	ASIA	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.62	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.33	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.30	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.87	2.83	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.13	5.47	+3.66

ASIA vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASIA Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASIA 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

ASIA vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASIA drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASIA and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASIA	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-99.25%	+75.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.47%	-85.39%	+70.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.52%	-97.17%	+83.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-90.89%	+85.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.55%	44.09%	-39.54%

Volatility

ASIA vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) is 13.93%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that ASIA 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

	ASIA	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.93%	56.59%	-42.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.35%	135.88%	-111.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.59%	149.23%	-122.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.05%	167.74%	-145.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.05%	167.74%	-145.69%

ASIA vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASIA has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASIA vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

ASIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ASIA Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF	0.87%	1.05%	0.58%	0.12%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASIA and SMST in my portfolio?

ASIA and SMST have a correlation of -0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASIA or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to ASIA (13.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASIA dropped -23.95% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, ASIA or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs 41.39% for ASIA. On fees, ASIA is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, ASIA has been the lower-risk option at 13.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASIA or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 41.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASIA or SMST?

ASIA is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

ASIA has the higher dividend yield at 0.87%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between ASIA and SMST?

ASIA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Matthews and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for ASIA and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.57), 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.