ISMD vs. RB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) and RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISMD is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index, while RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ISMD returned 39.84% vs 18.24% for RB. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISMD charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for RB.

Performance

ISMD vs. RB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISMD achieves a 30.34% return, which is significantly higher than RB's 7.90% return.

ISMD

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: 4.43%
• 6M: 20.30%
• YTD: 30.34%
• 1Y: 39.84%
• 3Y*: 16.31%
• 5Y*: 10.69%
• 10Y*: —

RB

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.02%
• 6M: 5.39%
• YTD: 7.90%
• 1Y: 18.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ISMD vs. RB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	30.34%	11.12%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	7.90%	10.85%

Correlation

The correlation between ISMD and RB is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.70

The correlation between ISMD and RB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ISMD vs. RB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 84
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 79
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 84

RB

RB Risk / Return Rank: 96
RB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
RB Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
RB Omega Ratio Rank: 95
RB Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
RB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

ISMD vs. RB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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.

	ISMD	RB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	2.79	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	4.74	-1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.61	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	8.77	-4.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.10	28.21	-15.11

ISMD vs. RB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISMD Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the RB Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISMD and RB, 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

ISMD vs. RB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISMD drawdown since its inception was -44.60%, which is greater than RB's maximum drawdown of -2.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISMD and RB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISMD	RB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.60%	-2.09%	-42.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.64%	-2.09%	-7.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.54%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.08%	-0.44%	-7.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	0.65%	+2.40%

Volatility

ISMD vs. RB - Volatility Comparison

Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) has a higher volatility of 4.20% compared to ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) at 1.54%. This indicates that ISMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISMD	RB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.20%	1.54%	+2.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.93%	4.74%	+8.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.37%	6.57%	+11.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.83%	6.46%	+14.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.66%	6.46%	+17.20%

ISMD vs. RB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISMD has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than RB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISMD vs. RB - Dividend Comparison

ISMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.10%, less than RB's 2.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	1.10%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	2.27%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISMD and RB in my portfolio?

ISMD and RB have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISMD or RB?

ISMD has higher volatility (4.20%) compared to RB (1.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISMD dropped -44.60% vs RB's -2.09%.

Which ETF is better, ISMD or RB?

On 1-year performance, ISMD leads with 39.84% vs 18.24% for RB. On fees, ISMD is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, RB has been the lower-risk option at 1.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISMD or RB?

Over the 1-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 39.84% return vs 18.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISMD or RB?

ISMD is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for RB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ISMD or RB?

RB has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 1.10% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between ISMD and RB?

ISMD is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RB is Defined Outcome. ISMD tracks Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index, while RB tracks Russell 2000. They also come from different issuers: Inspire and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for ISMD and 0.58% for RB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 2.18), 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.