FTLS vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

FTLS (First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTLS is a Long-Short fund actively managed by First Trust, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FTLS returned 14.58% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.31, they often move in opposite directions. FTLS charges 1.38%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

FTLS vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) 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, FTLS achieves a 5.63% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.56% return.

FTLS

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 1.15%
• 6M: 4.88%
• YTD: 5.63%
• 1Y: 14.58%
• 3Y*: 13.86%
• 5Y*: 9.92%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

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)

FTLS vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	5.63%	9.09%	5.12%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FTLS and SMST is -0.30, 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	-0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.31

Return for Risk

FTLS vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTLS

FTLS Risk / Return Rank: 71
FTLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FTLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
FTLS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FTLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
FTLS 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.

FTLS vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) 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.

	FTLS	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.37	+0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.22	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.74	2.39	+1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.39	4.64	+6.75

FTLS vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTLS 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

FTLS vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTLS drawdown since its inception was -20.54%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTLS and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTLS	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.54%	-99.25%	+78.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.79%	-85.39%	+81.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-97.31%	+97.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.68%	-90.88%	+88.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.24%	43.98%	-42.74%

Volatility

FTLS vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is 2.37%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that FTLS 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

	FTLS	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.37%	56.47%	-54.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.97%	135.94%	-129.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.37%	149.09%	-140.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.56%	167.87%	-157.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.22%	167.87%	-156.65%

FTLS vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTLS has a 1.38% expense ratio, which is higher than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTLS vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

FTLS'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	2015
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	0.88%	1.07%	1.50%	1.49%	0.81%	0.01%	0.44%	0.83%	0.87%	0.43%	1.04%	0.49%
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

Can I hold both FTLS and SMST in my portfolio?

FTLS and SMST have a correlation of -0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTLS or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to FTLS (2.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTLS dropped -20.54% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, FTLS or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs 14.58% for FTLS. On fees, SMST is cheaper at 1.29% per year. On volatility, FTLS has been the lower-risk option at 2.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTLS or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs 14.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTLS or SMST?

SMST is cheaper with a 1.29% expense ratio, compared with 1.38% for FTLS.

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

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

What is the main difference between FTLS and SMST?

FTLS is categorized as Long-Short, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 1.38% for FTLS and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 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.