KDEF vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

KDEF (PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KDEF is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the The Korea Defence Industry Index, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. KDEF is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, KDEF returned 4.05% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.28, they often move in opposite directions. KDEF charges 0.65%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

KDEF vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) 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, KDEF achieves a -10.17% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -27.96% return.

KDEF

• 1D: -3.93%
• 1M: -18.34%
• 6M: -27.68%
• YTD: -10.17%
• 1Y: 4.05%
• 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)

KDEF vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	-10.17%	116.28%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	-0.43%

Correlation

The correlation between KDEF and SMST is -0.34, 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	-0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	-0.28

Return for Risk

KDEF vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

KDEF

KDEF Risk / Return Rank: 11
KDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
KDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
KDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 13
KDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
KDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

KDEF vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) 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.

	KDEF	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.08	1.62	-1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.46	2.33	-1.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.30	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.10	2.83	-2.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.28	5.47	-5.19

KDEF vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KDEF Sharpe Ratio is 0.08, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KDEF 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

KDEF vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KDEF drawdown since its inception was -40.25%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KDEF and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	KDEF	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.25%	-99.25%	+59.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-40.25%	-85.39%	+45.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-40.25%	-97.17%	+56.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.37%	-90.89%	+82.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.43%	44.09%	-29.66%

Volatility

KDEF vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) is 21.07%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that KDEF 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

	KDEF	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.07%	56.59%	-35.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.49%	135.88%	-95.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	48.21%	149.23%	-101.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.57%	167.74%	-119.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.57%	167.74%	-119.17%

KDEF vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

KDEF has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

KDEF vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

KDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.65%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	7.65%	5.06%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KDEF and SMST in my portfolio?

KDEF and SMST have a correlation of -0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KDEF or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to KDEF (21.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KDEF dropped -40.25% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, KDEF or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs 4.05% for KDEF. On fees, KDEF is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, KDEF has been the lower-risk option at 21.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KDEF or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 4.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KDEF or SMST?

KDEF is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

KDEF has the higher dividend yield at 7.65%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between KDEF and SMST?

KDEF is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while SMST is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: PLUS and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for KDEF and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 0.08), 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.