IQDF vs. SMST
IQDF (FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQDF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. IQDF is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, IQDF returned 31.66% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.34, they often move in opposite directions. IQDF charges 0.47%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.
Performance
IQDF vs. SMST - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IQDF achieves a 16.09% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.56% return.
IQDF
- 1D
- 0.77%
- 1M
- -0.01%
- 6M
- 12.71%
- YTD
- 16.09%
- 1Y
- 31.66%
- 3Y*
- 22.66%
- 5Y*
- 11.10%
- 10Y*
- 9.59%
SMST
- 1D
- -1.67%
- 1M
- 37.17%
- 6M
- -24.18%
- YTD
- -31.56%
- 1Y
- 223.04%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IQDF vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
IQDF FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund | 16.09% | 35.42% | -3.83% |
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF | -31.56% | -44.36% | -91.71% |
Correlation
The correlation between IQDF and SMST is -0.37, 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 | -0.37 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024 | -0.34 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IQDF vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank
IQDF
SMST
IQDF vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) 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.
| IQDF | SMST | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.61 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.43 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.35 | 1.29 | +0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.08 | 2.39 | +0.69 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.55 | 4.64 | +6.91 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IQDF vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IQDF drawdown since its inception was -39.83%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQDF and SMST.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IQDF | SMST | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -39.83% | -99.25% | +59.42% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.03% | -85.39% | +75.36% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.92% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -29.31% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.83% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.25% | -97.31% | +96.06% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.28% | -90.88% | +81.60% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.67% | 43.98% | -41.31% |
Volatility
IQDF vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) is 5.90%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that IQDF 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IQDF | SMST | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.90% | 56.47% | -50.57% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.76% | 135.94% | -122.18% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.64% | 149.09% | -133.45% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.72% | 167.87% | -152.15% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.47% | 167.87% | -151.40% |
IQDF vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison
IQDF has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.
Dividends
IQDF vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison
IQDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IQDF FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund | 3.01% | 3.27% | 6.72% | 6.06% | 5.59% | 4.13% | 3.31% | 4.46% | 5.78% | 3.89% | 3.75% | 4.27% |
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
IQDF and SMST have a correlation of -0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to IQDF (5.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQDF dropped -39.83% vs SMST's -99.25%.
On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs 31.66% for IQDF. On fees, IQDF is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IQDF has been the lower-risk option at 5.90%. 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 223.04% return vs 31.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IQDF is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.
IQDF has the higher dividend yield at 3.01%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.
IQDF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IQDF and 1.29% for SMST.
IQDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 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.
Find the right allocation for IQDF and SMST
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer