FDG vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FDG (American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by American Century, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FDG returned 20.28% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.49, they often move in opposite directions. FDG charges 0.45%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

FDG vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) 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, FDG achieves a 3.50% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -27.96% return.

FDG

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: -0.37%
• 6M: 1.28%
• YTD: 3.50%
• 1Y: 20.28%
• 3Y*: 24.61%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 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)

FDG vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	3.50%	22.13%	14.30%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FDG and SMST is -0.53, 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	-0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.49

The correlation between FDG and SMST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.53 to -0.49 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FDG vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDG

FDG Risk / Return Rank: 34
FDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
FDG Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
FDG Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

FDG vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) 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.

	FDG	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	1.62	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	2.33	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.30	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	2.83	-1.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.17	5.47	-1.30

FDG vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDG 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

FDG vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDG drawdown since its inception was -43.69%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDG and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDG	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.69%	-99.25%	+55.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.71%	-85.39%	+69.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.69%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.75%	-97.17%	+90.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.30%	-90.89%	+77.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.87%	44.09%	-39.22%

Volatility

FDG vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) is 7.12%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that FDG 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

	FDG	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.12%	56.59%	-49.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.07%	135.88%	-119.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.49%	149.23%	-129.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.94%	167.74%	-142.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.95%	167.74%	-142.79%

FDG vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDG has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDG vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

Neither FDG nor SMST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDG and SMST in my portfolio?

FDG and SMST have a correlation of -0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDG or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to FDG (7.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDG dropped -43.69% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, FDG or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs 20.28% for FDG. On fees, FDG is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FDG has been the lower-risk option at 7.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDG or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 20.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDG or SMST?

FDG is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

FDG and SMST have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FDG and SMST?

FDG is categorized as Global Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: American Century and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FDG and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.05), 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.