EART vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

EART (Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EART is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the Solactive Rare Earth & Critical Materials Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. EART is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, EART returned 51.30% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.28, they often move in opposite directions. EART charges 0.59%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

EART vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) 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, EART achieves a -4.14% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -27.96% return.

EART

• 1D: -3.41%
• 1M: -14.92%
• 6M: -16.35%
• YTD: -4.14%
• 1Y: 51.30%
• 3Y*: 12.61%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 5.26%
• 1M: 44.38%
• 6M: -15.07%
• YTD: -27.96%
• 1Y: 240.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EART vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EART Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF	-4.14%	98.48%	2.43%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between EART and SMST is -0.26, 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	-0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.28

Return for Risk

EART vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

EART

EART Risk / Return Rank: 43
EART Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
EART Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
EART Omega Ratio Rank: 43
EART Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
EART Martin Ratio Rank: 40

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 60
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

EART vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) 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.

	EART	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	1.62	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	2.33	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.30	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	2.83	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.97	5.47	-0.50

EART vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EART Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is comparable to the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EART 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

EART vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EART drawdown since its inception was -53.68%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EART and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	EART	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.68%	-99.25%	+45.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.39%	-85.39%	+58.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.39%	-97.17%	+69.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.91%	-90.89%	+61.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.35%	44.09%	-33.74%

Volatility

EART vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) is 11.97%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that EART 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

	EART	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.97%	56.59%	-44.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.11%	135.88%	-102.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.74%	149.23%	-109.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.24%	167.74%	-133.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.24%	167.74%	-133.50%

EART vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

EART has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

EART vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

EART's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.70%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
EART Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF	0.70%	0.65%	1.06%	1.83%	2.04%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EART and SMST in my portfolio?

EART and SMST have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EART or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to EART (11.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EART dropped -53.68% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, EART or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs 51.30% for EART. On fees, EART is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, EART has been the lower-risk option at 11.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EART or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 51.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EART or SMST?

EART is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

EART has the higher dividend yield at 0.70%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between EART and SMST?

EART is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EART and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.30), 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.