BDCX vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BDCX (ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BDCX is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the MVIS US Business Development Companies (150%), while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. BDCX is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, BDCX returned -18.55% vs 257.89% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.29, they often move in opposite directions. BDCX charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

BDCX vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) 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, BDCX achieves a -5.28% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.71% return.

BDCX

• 1D: 2.24%
• 1M: 5.93%
• 6M: -9.53%
• YTD: -5.28%
• 1Y: -18.55%
• 3Y*: 3.05%
• 5Y*: 3.43%
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 7.64%
• 1M: 37.45%
• 6M: -8.12%
• YTD: -31.71%
• 1Y: 257.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BDCX vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BDCX ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN	-5.28%	-10.42%	10.21%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.71%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between BDCX and SMST is -0.30, 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	-0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.29

Return for Risk

BDCX vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

BDCX

BDCX Risk / Return Rank: 4
BDCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 63
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

BDCX vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) 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.

	BDCX	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.66	1.74	-2.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.84	2.38	-3.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.31	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	3.04	-3.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.98	5.82	-6.79

BDCX vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BDCX Sharpe Ratio is -0.66, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BDCX 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

BDCX vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDCX drawdown since its inception was -34.96%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDCX and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDCX	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-99.25%	+64.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.46%	-85.39%	+54.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.02%	-97.32%	+74.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-90.93%	+80.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.00%	44.56%	-25.56%

Volatility

BDCX vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) is 7.25%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 55.38%. This indicates that BDCX 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

	BDCX	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.25%	55.38%	-48.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.77%	135.32%	-112.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.20%	149.40%	-121.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.67%	167.53%	-140.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.88%	167.53%	-140.65%

BDCX vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDCX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDCX vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

BDCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 20.40%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BDCX ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN	20.40%	19.17%	15.28%	14.71%	17.47%	11.52%	6.32%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDCX and SMST in my portfolio?

BDCX and SMST have a correlation of -0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BDCX or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (55.38%) compared to BDCX (7.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BDCX dropped -34.96% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, BDCX or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 257.89% vs -18.55% for BDCX. On fees, BDCX is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BDCX has been the lower-risk option at 7.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BDCX or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 257.89% return vs -18.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDCX or SMST?

BDCX is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

BDCX has the higher dividend yield at 20.40%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between BDCX and SMST?

BDCX is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BDCX and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 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.