BLOX vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BLOX (Nicholas Crypto Income ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BLOX is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Nicholas, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BLOX returned -9.66% vs 223.39% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.71, they often move in opposite directions. BLOX charges 1.03%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

BLOX vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) 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, BLOX achieves a -1.51% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -36.68% return.

BLOX

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: -12.07%
• 6M: -15.20%
• YTD: -1.51%
• 1Y: -9.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: -12.10%
• 1M: 26.91%
• 6M: -13.52%
• YTD: -36.68%
• 1Y: 223.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BLOX vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	-1.51%	8.17%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-36.68%	240.18%

Correlation

The correlation between BLOX and SMST is -0.71, 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	-0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2025	-0.71

The correlation between BLOX and SMST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.71 to -0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BLOX vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLOX

BLOX Risk / Return Rank: 8
BLOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
BLOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
BLOX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
BLOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
BLOX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 56
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

BLOX vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) 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.

	BLOX	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.18	1.51	-1.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.12	2.28	-2.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.30	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	2.63	-2.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.40	5.07	-5.47

BLOX vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLOX Sharpe Ratio is -0.18, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLOX 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

BLOX vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLOX drawdown since its inception was -47.09%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLOX and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLOX	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.09%	-99.25%	+52.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.09%	-85.39%	+38.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.91%	-97.51%	+65.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.17%	-90.91%	+71.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	24.41%	44.25%	-19.84%

Volatility

BLOX vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) is 12.40%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 57.45%. This indicates that BLOX 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

	BLOX	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.40%	57.45%	-45.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.81%	136.03%	-95.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.49%	149.51%	-95.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.55%	167.79%	-114.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.55%	167.79%	-114.24%

BLOX vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLOX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLOX vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

BLOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 48.13%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	48.13%	22.69%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLOX and SMST in my portfolio?

BLOX and SMST have a correlation of -0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLOX or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (57.45%) compared to BLOX (12.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLOX dropped -47.09% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, BLOX or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.39% vs -9.66% for BLOX. On fees, BLOX is cheaper at 1.03% per year. On volatility, BLOX has been the lower-risk option at 12.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLOX or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.39% return vs -9.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLOX or SMST?

BLOX is cheaper with a 1.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

BLOX has the higher dividend yield at 48.13%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between BLOX and SMST?

BLOX is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 1.03% for BLOX and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs -0.18), 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.