FLKR vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. FLKR is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, FLKR returned 123.26% vs 245.00% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.34, they often move in opposite directions. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

FLKR vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) 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, FLKR achieves a 66.39% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -33.11% return.

FLKR

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -20.11%
• 6M: 45.07%
• YTD: 66.39%
• 1Y: 123.26%
• 3Y*: 37.46%
• 5Y*: 14.21%
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: 22.85%
• 6M: -6.76%
• YTD: -33.11%
• 1Y: 245.00%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLKR vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	66.39%	91.91%	-20.51%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-33.11%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and SMST is -0.37, 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	-0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.34

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 86
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 89

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 64
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

FLKR vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) 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.

	FLKR	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.44	1.65	+0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.34	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.30	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.73	2.89	+1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.40	5.51	+9.90

FLKR vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 2.44, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR 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

FLKR vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-99.25%	+49.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.19%	-85.39%	+59.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.19%	-97.37%	+71.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.94%	-90.95%	+69.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.03%	44.71%	-36.68%

Volatility

FLKR vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) is 22.89%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 54.45%. This indicates that FLKR 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

	FLKR	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.89%	54.45%	-31.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	48.05%	135.13%	-87.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	50.92%	149.28%	-98.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.36%	167.36%	-136.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.33%	167.36%	-138.03%

FLKR vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLKR vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.77%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	2.77%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLKR and SMST in my portfolio?

FLKR and SMST have a correlation of -0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLKR or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (54.45%) compared to FLKR (22.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 245.00% vs 123.26% for FLKR. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FLKR has been the lower-risk option at 22.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 245.00% return vs 123.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or SMST?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between FLKR and SMST?

FLKR is categorized as South Korea Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.65), 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.