BEGS vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

BEGS (Rareview 2x Bull Cryptocurrency & Precious Metals ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BEGS is a Leveraged Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Rareview, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BEGS returned -36.72% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.72, they often move in opposite directions. BEGS charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

BEGS vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rareview 2x Bull Cryptocurrency & Precious Metals ETF (BEGS) 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, BEGS achieves a -39.87% return, which is significantly lower than SMST's -31.56% return.

BEGS

• 1D: 1.33%
• 1M: -4.58%
• 6M: -44.95%
• YTD: -39.87%
• 1Y: -36.72%
• 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)

BEGS vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BEGS Rareview 2x Bull Cryptocurrency & Precious Metals ETF	-39.87%	32.00%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	-12.29%

Correlation

The correlation between BEGS and SMST is -0.73, 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	-0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2025	-0.72

The correlation between BEGS and SMST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.73 to -0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BEGS vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

BEGS

BEGS Risk / Return Rank: 5
BEGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
BEGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
BEGS Omega Ratio Rank: 6
BEGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
BEGS Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

BEGS vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rareview 2x Bull Cryptocurrency & Precious Metals ETF (BEGS) 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.

	BEGS	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.49	1.37	-1.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.34	2.22	-2.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.29	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.55	2.39	-2.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.13	4.64	-5.77

BEGS vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BEGS Sharpe Ratio is -0.49, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BEGS 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

BEGS vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BEGS drawdown since its inception was -60.23%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BEGS and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	BEGS	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.23%	-99.25%	+39.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-60.23%	-85.39%	+25.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-55.45%	-97.31%	+41.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.29%	-90.88%	+71.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	29.25%	43.98%	-14.73%

Volatility

BEGS vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Rareview 2x Bull Cryptocurrency & Precious Metals ETF (BEGS) is 20.24%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that BEGS 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

	BEGS	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.24%	56.47%	-36.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	56.74%	135.94%	-79.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	67.21%	149.09%	-81.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	63.62%	167.87%	-104.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.62%	167.87%	-104.25%

BEGS vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

BEGS has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

BEGS vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

BEGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 80.21%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BEGS Rareview 2x Bull Cryptocurrency & Precious Metals ETF	80.21%	48.23%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BEGS and SMST in my portfolio?

BEGS and SMST have a correlation of -0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BEGS or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to BEGS (20.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BEGS dropped -60.23% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, BEGS or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs -36.72% for BEGS. On fees, BEGS is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, BEGS has been the lower-risk option at 20.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BEGS or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs -36.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BEGS or SMST?

BEGS is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

BEGS has the higher dividend yield at 80.21%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between BEGS and SMST?

BEGS is categorized as Leveraged Cryptocurrency, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Rareview and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for BEGS and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs -0.49), 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.