EMM vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

EMM (Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Global X, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EMM returned 46.44% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.37, they often move in opposite directions. EMM charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

EMM vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) 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, EMM achieves a 27.95% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.56% return.

EMM

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: -1.34%
• 6M: 24.37%
• YTD: 27.95%
• 1Y: 46.44%
• 3Y*: 20.30%
• 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)

EMM vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EMM Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF	27.95%	30.21%	-6.94%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between EMM and SMST is -0.35, 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	-0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.37

Return for Risk

EMM vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMM

EMM Risk / Return Rank: 72
EMM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
EMM Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
EMM Omega Ratio Rank: 72
EMM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
EMM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

EMM vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) 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.

	EMM	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.37	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.22	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.29	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	2.39	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.55	4.64	+6.91

EMM vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMM Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMM 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

EMM vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMM drawdown since its inception was -21.99%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMM and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMM	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.99%	-99.25%	+77.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.75%	-85.39%	+70.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.40%	-97.31%	+89.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.70%	-90.88%	+86.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.94%	43.98%	-40.04%

Volatility

EMM vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) is 11.47%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that EMM 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

	EMM	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.47%	56.47%	-45.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.23%	135.94%	-112.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.09%	149.09%	-124.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.99%	167.87%	-147.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.99%	167.87%	-147.88%

EMM vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMM has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMM vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

EMM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMM Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF	0.75%	0.90%	0.80%	0.66%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMM and SMST in my portfolio?

EMM and SMST have a correlation of -0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMM or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to EMM (11.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMM dropped -21.99% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, EMM or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs 46.44% for EMM. On fees, EMM is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, EMM has been the lower-risk option at 11.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMM or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs 46.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMM or SMST?

EMM is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

EMM has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between EMM and SMST?

EMM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for EMM and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 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.