GVUS vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

GVUS (Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GVUS is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Value 40 Act Daily Capped Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. GVUS is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, GVUS returned 28.26% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.37, they often move in opposite directions. GVUS charges 0.12%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

GVUS vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF (GVUS) 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, GVUS achieves a 18.52% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -27.96% return.

GVUS

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 2.58%
• 6M: 14.63%
• YTD: 18.52%
• 1Y: 28.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

GVUS vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GVUS Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF	18.52%	15.90%	2.19%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between GVUS and SMST is -0.40, 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	-0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.37

Return for Risk

GVUS vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

GVUS

GVUS Risk / Return Rank: 91
GVUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
GVUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
GVUS Omega Ratio Rank: 90
GVUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GVUS Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

GVUS vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF (GVUS) 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.

	GVUS	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.62	+0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	2.33	+1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.30	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.25	2.83	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.60	5.47	+12.13

GVUS vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GVUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GVUS 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

GVUS vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GVUS drawdown since its inception was -15.82%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GVUS and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	GVUS	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.82%	-99.25%	+83.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.68%	-85.39%	+78.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-97.17%	+97.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.95%	-90.89%	+88.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.61%	44.09%	-42.48%

Volatility

GVUS vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF (GVUS) is 3.55%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that GVUS 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

	GVUS	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.55%	56.59%	-53.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.62%	135.88%	-127.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.28%	149.23%	-137.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.27%	167.74%	-154.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.27%	167.74%	-154.47%

GVUS vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

GVUS has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

GVUS vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

GVUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
GVUS Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF	1.51%	1.77%	2.04%	0.00%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GVUS and SMST in my portfolio?

GVUS and SMST have a correlation of -0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GVUS or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to GVUS (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GVUS dropped -15.82% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, GVUS or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs 28.26% for GVUS. On fees, GVUS is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, GVUS has been the lower-risk option at 3.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GVUS or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 28.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GVUS or SMST?

GVUS is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

GVUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between GVUS and SMST?

GVUS is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for GVUS and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GVUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.62), 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.