DEMZ vs. SAMT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DEMZ (Democratic Large Cap Core ETF) and SAMT (Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. DEMZ is passively managed, while SAMT is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DEMZ returned 22.00%/yr vs 28.84%/yr for SAMT. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DEMZ charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for SAMT.

Performance

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DEMZ achieves a 8.48% return, which is significantly lower than SAMT's 20.25% return.

DEMZ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 6.44%
• YTD: 8.48%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: 24.86%
• 3Y*: 22.00%
• 5Y*: 12.90%
• 10Y*: —

SAMT

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 6.66%
• YTD: 20.25%
• 6M: 23.92%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 28.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DEMZ Democratic Large Cap Core ETF	8.48%	19.84%	22.89%	24.43%	-9.64%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	20.25%	33.10%	28.15%	1.27%	-6.59%

Correlation

The correlation between DEMZ and SAMT is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2022	0.74

The correlation between DEMZ and SAMT shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DEMZ	SAMT
Technology	44.9%	27.8%
Communication Services	14.2%	7.8%
Industrials	9.0%	22.0%
Financial Services	9.0%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	12.0%
Healthcare	5.5%	4.3%
Real Estate	3.6%	2.9%
Basic Materials	-	2.7%
Energy	-	2.9%
Utilities	-	6.6%

Return for Risk

DEMZ vs. SAMT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEMZ

DEMZ Risk / Return Rank: 47
DEMZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DEMZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DEMZ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DEMZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DEMZ Martin Ratio Rank: 46

SAMT

SAMT Risk / Return Rank: 77
SAMT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
SAMT Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
SAMT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SAMT Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SAMT Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). 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.

	DEMZ	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	2.53	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	3.35	-0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.42	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	5.19	-3.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.56	14.30	-6.74
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEMZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the SAMT Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEMZ and SAMT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DEMZ	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.78	2.53	-0.75
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.96	0.98	-0.01

Drawdowns

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEMZ drawdown since its inception was -27.17%, which is greater than SAMT's maximum drawdown of -20.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEMZ and SAMT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEMZ	SAMT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.17%	-20.57%	-6.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.28%	-8.15%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.69%	-18.27%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.25%	-0.66%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.11%	-7.72%	+1.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	2.95%	+0.34%

Volatility

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) is 3.66%, while Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) has a volatility of 6.82%. This indicates that DEMZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAMT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DEMZ	SAMT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	6.82%	-3.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.89%	12.56%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	16.68%	-2.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.80%	16.94%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.46%	16.94%	+0.52%

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEMZ has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SAMT's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEMZ vs. SAMT - Dividend Comparison

DEMZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, more than SAMT's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DEMZ Democratic Large Cap Core ETF	0.90%	0.98%	0.53%	0.90%	0.98%	2.46%	0.27%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	0.58%	0.70%	1.40%	1.49%	0.73%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEMZ and SAMT in my portfolio?

DEMZ and SAMT have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DEMZ or SAMT?

SAMT has higher volatility (6.82%) compared to DEMZ (3.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEMZ dropped -27.17% vs SAMT's -20.57%.

Which ETF is better, DEMZ or SAMT?

On 3-year performance, SAMT leads with 28.84% vs 22.00% for DEMZ. On fees, DEMZ is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, DEMZ has been the lower-risk option at 3.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DEMZ or SAMT?

Over the 3-year period, SAMT has performed better with a 28.84% return vs 22.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEMZ or SAMT?

DEMZ is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for SAMT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DEMZ or SAMT?

DEMZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.58% for SAMT.

What is the main difference between DEMZ and SAMT?

They also come from different issuers: Reflection Asset Management, LLC and Strategas. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for DEMZ and 0.66% for SAMT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAMT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.78), 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.