EFV vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

EFV (iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Value Index (Net), while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. EFV is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, EFV returned 29.32% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.27, they often move in opposite directions. EFV charges 0.31%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

EFV vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) 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, EFV achieves a 12.69% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.56% return.

EFV

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 1.93%
• 6M: 11.03%
• YTD: 12.69%
• 1Y: 29.32%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: 13.52%
• 10Y*: 10.34%

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)

EFV vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	12.69%	42.22%	-3.65%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between EFV and SMST is -0.29, 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	-0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.27

Return for Risk

EFV vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFV

EFV Risk / Return Rank: 72
EFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
EFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
EFV Omega Ratio Rank: 75
EFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
EFV Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EFV vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) 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.

	EFV	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.37	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	2.22	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.29	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	2.39	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	4.64	+4.93

EFV vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFV Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFV 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

EFV vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFV drawdown since its inception was -63.94%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFV and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFV	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.94%	-99.25%	+35.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.90%	-85.39%	+74.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-97.31%	+97.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.76%	-90.88%	+76.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	43.98%	-41.01%

Volatility

EFV vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) is 4.06%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that EFV 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

	EFV	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	56.47%	-52.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.13%	135.94%	-123.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.49%	149.09%	-134.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.95%	167.87%	-151.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.44%	167.87%	-150.43%

EFV vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFV has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFV vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

EFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.66%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	4.66%	4.16%	4.66%	4.36%	4.17%	4.07%	2.42%	4.62%	4.56%	3.56%	3.28%	3.59%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFV and SMST in my portfolio?

EFV and SMST have a correlation of -0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFV or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to EFV (4.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFV dropped -63.94% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, EFV or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs 29.32% for EFV. On fees, EFV is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, EFV has been the lower-risk option at 4.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFV or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs 29.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFV or SMST?

EFV is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

EFV has the higher dividend yield at 4.66%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between EFV and SMST?

EFV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for EFV and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.37), 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.