BBP vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

BBP (Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BBP is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. BBP is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, BBP returned 63.66% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.31, they often move in opposite directions. BBP charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

BBP vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) 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, BBP achieves a 25.46% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.56% return.

BBP

• 1D: -3.24%
• 1M: 15.02%
• 6M: 24.05%
• YTD: 25.46%
• 1Y: 63.66%
• 3Y*: 23.81%
• 5Y*: 13.61%
• 10Y*: 13.34%

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)

BBP vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	25.46%	33.15%	-5.04%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between BBP and SMST is -0.29, 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	-0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.31

Return for Risk

BBP vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBP

BBP Risk / Return Rank: 91
BBP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
BBP Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BBP Omega Ratio Rank: 84
BBP Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
BBP Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

BBP vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) 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.

	BBP	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	1.37	+1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	2.22	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.29	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.53	2.39	+4.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.34	4.64	+15.70

BBP vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBP Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBP 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

BBP vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBP drawdown since its inception was -44.32%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBP and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBP	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.32%	-99.25%	+54.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-85.39%	+76.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.09%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.32%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.24%	-97.31%	+94.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.93%	-90.88%	+78.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	43.98%	-41.00%

Volatility

BBP vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP) is 7.20%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that BBP 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

	BBP	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.20%	56.47%	-49.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.14%	135.94%	-116.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.19%	149.09%	-124.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.44%	167.87%	-141.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.36%	167.87%	-140.51%

BBP vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

BBP vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

Neither BBP nor SMST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBP Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	0.00%	1.29%
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 BBP and SMST in my portfolio?

BBP and SMST have a correlation of -0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBP or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to BBP (7.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBP dropped -44.32% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, BBP or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs 63.66% for BBP. On fees, BBP is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BBP has been the lower-risk option at 7.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBP or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs 63.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBP or SMST?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between BBP and SMST?

BBP is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for BBP and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 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.