HFEQ vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

HFEQ (Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HFEQ is a Long-Short fund actively managed by Unlimited, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.40, they often move in opposite directions. HFEQ charges 1.00%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

HFEQ vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF (HFEQ) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

HFEQ

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

HFEQ vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HFEQ Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF	9.98%	14.35%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	410.73%

Correlation

The correlation between HFEQ 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2025	-0.40

Return for Risk

HFEQ vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFEQ

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

HFEQ vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	HFEQ	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.37	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.22	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.29	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.39	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.64	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	HFEQ	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-99.25%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-85.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-97.31%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-90.88%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	43.98%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HFEQ	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	56.47%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	135.94%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	149.09%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	167.87%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	167.87%	—

HFEQ vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFEQ has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFEQ vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

Neither HFEQ nor SMST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
HFEQ Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF	9.59%	10.55%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFEQ and SMST in my portfolio?

HFEQ 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 ETF is better, HFEQ or SMST?

On fees, HFEQ is cheaper at 1.00% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFEQ or SMST?

HFEQ is cheaper with a 1.00% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

HFEQ has the higher dividend yield at 9.59%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between HFEQ and SMST?

HFEQ is categorized as Long-Short, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Unlimited and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for HFEQ and 1.29% for SMST.