IMST vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

IMST (Bitwise Funds Trust) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMST is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Bitwise, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, IMST returned -72.39% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.97, they often move in opposite directions. IMST charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

IMST vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST) 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, IMST achieves a -31.57% return, which is significantly lower than SMST's -27.96% return.

IMST

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: -18.69%
• 6M: -35.66%
• YTD: -31.57%
• 1Y: -72.39%
• 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)

IMST vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IMST Bitwise Funds Trust	-31.57%	-46.36%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	35.67%

Correlation

The correlation between IMST and SMST is -0.98, 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	-0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	-0.97

The correlation between IMST and SMST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.98 to -0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IMST vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMST

IMST Risk / Return Rank: 1
IMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Omega Ratio Rank: 0
IMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
IMST Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

IMST vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST) 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.

	IMST	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.21	1.62	-2.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.46	2.33	-4.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.74	1.30	-0.57
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.96	2.83	-3.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.41	5.47	-6.88

IMST vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMST Sharpe Ratio is -1.21, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMST 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

IMST vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMST drawdown since its inception was -75.63%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMST and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMST	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.63%	-99.25%	+23.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-75.63%	-85.39%	+9.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-73.23%	-97.17%	+23.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-38.06%	-90.89%	+52.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	51.48%	44.09%	+7.39%

Volatility

IMST vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bitwise Funds Trust (IMST) is 21.80%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that IMST 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

	IMST	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.80%	56.59%	-34.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.22%	135.88%	-88.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	60.28%	149.23%	-88.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	60.84%	167.74%	-106.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	60.84%	167.74%	-106.90%

IMST vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMST has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMST vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

IMST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 253.23%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
IMST Bitwise Funds Trust	253.23%	195.93%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMST and SMST in my portfolio?

IMST and SMST have a correlation of -0.98, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IMST or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to IMST (21.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMST dropped -75.63% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, IMST or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs -72.39% for IMST. On fees, IMST is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, IMST has been the lower-risk option at 21.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMST or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs -72.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMST or SMST?

IMST is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

IMST has the higher dividend yield at 253.23%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between IMST and SMST?

IMST is categorized as Derivative Income, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for IMST and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs -1.21), 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.