JNEU vs. SMST

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

JNEU (AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jun ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JNEU is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Allianz, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, JNEU returned 18.38% vs 236.89% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.48, they often move in opposite directions. JNEU charges 0.74%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

JNEU vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jun ETF (JNEU) 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, JNEU achieves a 7.95% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -5.14% return.

JNEU

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 7.95%
• 6M: 6.55%
• 1Y: 18.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 18.45%
• 1M: 181.70%
• YTD: -5.14%
• 6M: 2.86%
• 1Y: 236.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JNEU vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
JNEU AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jun ETF	7.95%	11.34%	3.96%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-5.14%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between JNEU and SMST is -0.50, 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	-0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.48

The correlation between JNEU and SMST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.50 to -0.48 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JNEU vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

JNEU

JNEU Risk / Return Rank: 57
JNEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
JNEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
JNEU Omega Ratio Rank: 56
JNEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
JNEU Martin Ratio Rank: 61

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 53
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
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.

JNEU vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jun ETF (JNEU) 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.

	JNEU	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.63	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.35	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	2.79	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.66	5.52	+4.15

JNEU vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JNEU Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JNEU 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

JNEU vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JNEU drawdown since its inception was -13.53%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JNEU and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	JNEU	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.53%	-99.25%	+85.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.05%	-85.39%	+77.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.37%	-96.27%	+93.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.03%	-90.74%	+88.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.91%	43.15%	-41.24%

Volatility

JNEU vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jun ETF (JNEU) is 3.25%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 46.13%. This indicates that JNEU 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

	JNEU	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.25%	46.13%	-42.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.38%	130.40%	-122.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.60%	146.32%	-135.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.98%	167.25%	-155.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.98%	167.25%	-155.27%

JNEU vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

JNEU has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

JNEU vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

Neither JNEU nor SMST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JNEU and SMST in my portfolio?

JNEU and SMST have a correlation of -0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JNEU or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (46.13%) compared to JNEU (3.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JNEU dropped -13.53% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, JNEU or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 236.89% vs 18.38% for JNEU. On fees, JNEU is cheaper at 0.74% per year. On volatility, JNEU has been the lower-risk option at 3.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JNEU or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 236.89% return vs 18.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JNEU or SMST?

JNEU is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

JNEU and SMST have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between JNEU and SMST?

JNEU is categorized as Defined Outcome, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: Allianz and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for JNEU and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JNEU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.63), 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.