IWMW vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

IWMW (iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWMW is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe FTSE Russell IWM 2% OTM BuyWrite Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. IWMW is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, IWMW returned 24.34% vs 223.04% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.46, they often move in opposite directions. IWMW charges 0.39%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

IWMW vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) 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, IWMW achieves a 13.41% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -31.56% return.

IWMW

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 3.27%
• 6M: 10.36%
• YTD: 13.41%
• 1Y: 24.34%
• 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)

IWMW vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IWMW iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF	13.41%	7.82%	6.35%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-31.56%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between IWMW and SMST is -0.48, 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	-0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.46

Return for Risk

IWMW vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWMW

IWMW Risk / Return Rank: 80
IWMW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
IWMW Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IWMW Omega Ratio Rank: 83
IWMW Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IWMW Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

IWMW vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) 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.

	IWMW	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.37	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	2.22	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.29	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	2.39	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.17	4.64	+7.53

IWMW vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWMW Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWMW 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

IWMW vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWMW drawdown since its inception was -21.82%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWMW and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWMW	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.82%	-99.25%	+77.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.94%	-85.39%	+78.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-97.31%	+97.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.69%	-90.88%	+87.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	43.98%	-41.97%

Volatility

IWMW vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) is 2.65%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.47%. This indicates that IWMW 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

	IWMW	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.65%	56.47%	-53.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.25%	135.94%	-126.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.50%	149.09%	-136.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.92%	167.87%	-151.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.92%	167.87%	-151.95%

IWMW vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWMW has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWMW vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

IWMW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.18%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IWMW iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF	21.18%	20.98%	17.73%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWMW and SMST in my portfolio?

IWMW and SMST have a correlation of -0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWMW or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.47%) compared to IWMW (2.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWMW dropped -21.82% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, IWMW or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.04% vs 24.34% for IWMW. On fees, IWMW is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IWMW has been the lower-risk option at 2.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWMW or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.04% return vs 24.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWMW or SMST?

IWMW is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

IWMW has the higher dividend yield at 21.18%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between IWMW and SMST?

IWMW is categorized as Derivative Income, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IWMW and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWMW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 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.