ESG vs. SMST

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ESG (FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the STOXX USA ESG Select KPIs Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. ESG is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, ESG returned 21.47% vs 236.89% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.44, they often move in opposite directions. ESG charges 0.32%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

ESG vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund (ESG) 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, ESG achieves a 10.32% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -5.14% return.

ESG

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 10.32%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: 21.47%
• 3Y*: 19.56%
• 5Y*: 12.00%
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 18.45%
• 1M: 181.70%
• YTD: -5.14%
• 6M: 2.86%
• 1Y: 236.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESG vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ESG FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund	10.32%	16.04%	5.52%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-5.14%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between ESG and SMST is -0.44, 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	-0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.44

Return for Risk

ESG vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESG

ESG Risk / Return Rank: 64
ESG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
ESG Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ESG Omega Ratio Rank: 63
ESG Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
ESG Martin Ratio Rank: 66

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 53
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
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.

ESG vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund (ESG) 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.

	ESG	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.63	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.35	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.30	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	2.79	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.40	5.52	+4.88

ESG vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESG Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESG 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

ESG vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESG drawdown since its inception was -32.53%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESG and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESG	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.53%	-99.25%	+66.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.68%	-85.39%	+76.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.32%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.12%	-96.27%	+94.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.05%	-90.74%	+85.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	43.15%	-41.08%

Volatility

ESG vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund (ESG) is 4.30%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 46.13%. This indicates that ESG 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

	ESG	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.30%	46.13%	-41.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.22%	130.40%	-121.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.53%	146.32%	-134.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.81%	167.25%	-150.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.34%	167.25%	-148.91%

ESG vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESG has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESG vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

ESG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ESG FlexShares STOXX US ESG Select Index Fund	0.88%	0.96%	1.18%	1.10%	1.38%	1.03%	1.33%	1.51%	1.72%	1.52%	0.92%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESG and SMST in my portfolio?

ESG and SMST have a correlation of -0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESG or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (46.13%) compared to ESG (4.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESG dropped -32.53% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, ESG or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 236.89% vs 21.47% for ESG. On fees, ESG is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, ESG has been the lower-risk option at 4.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESG or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 236.89% return vs 21.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESG or SMST?

ESG is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

ESG has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between ESG and SMST?

ESG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for ESG and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.63), 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.