FNDC vs. SMST
FNDC (Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDC is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Small Index (Net), while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. FNDC is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, FNDC returned 19.73% vs 223.39% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.35, they often move in opposite directions. FNDC charges 0.39%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.
Performance
FNDC vs. SMST - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FNDC achieves a 9.92% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -36.68% return.
FNDC
- 1D
- 0.70%
- 1M
- -1.45%
- 6M
- 6.92%
- YTD
- 9.92%
- 1Y
- 19.73%
- 3Y*
- 16.27%
- 5Y*
- 7.62%
- 10Y*
- 8.67%
SMST
- 1D
- -12.10%
- 1M
- 26.91%
- 6M
- -13.52%
- YTD
- -36.68%
- 1Y
- 223.39%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FNDC vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF | 9.92% | 35.65% | -3.76% |
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF | -36.68% | -44.36% | -91.71% |
Correlation
The correlation between FNDC and SMST is -0.39, 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 | -0.39 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024 | -0.35 |
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Return for Risk
FNDC vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank
FNDC
SMST
FNDC vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) 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.
| FNDC | SMST | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.18 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.37 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.24 | 1.30 | -0.05 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.77 | 2.63 | -0.86 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.25 | 5.07 | +1.18 |
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Drawdowns
FNDC vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FNDC drawdown since its inception was -43.22%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDC and SMST.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FNDC | SMST | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.22% | -99.25% | +56.03% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.20% | -85.39% | +74.19% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -12.98% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -32.13% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -43.22% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.35% | -97.51% | +94.16% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.40% | -90.91% | +82.51% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.16% | 44.25% | -41.09% |
Volatility
FNDC vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) is 3.97%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 57.45%. This indicates that FNDC 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.
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Volatility by Period
| FNDC | SMST | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.97% | 57.45% | -53.48% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.89% | 136.03% | -123.14% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.93% | 149.51% | -134.58% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.08% | 167.79% | -151.71% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.66% | 167.79% | -151.13% |
FNDC vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison
FNDC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.
Dividends
FNDC vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison
FNDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF | 3.70% | 3.86% | 3.59% | 2.86% | 1.98% | 2.58% | 1.77% | 2.71% | 2.68% | 1.94% | 1.95% | 1.30% |
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
FNDC and SMST have a correlation of -0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SMST has higher volatility (57.45%) compared to FNDC (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDC dropped -43.22% vs SMST's -99.25%.
On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.39% vs 19.73% for FNDC. On fees, FNDC is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FNDC has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.39% return vs 19.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
FNDC is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.
FNDC has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.
FNDC is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDC and 1.29% for SMST.
SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.33), 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.
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