MSII vs. MST

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSII (REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF) and MST (Defiance Leveraged Long Income MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSII is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by REX, while MST is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSII returned -70.57% vs -94.85% for MST. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MSII charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.31%/yr for MST.

Performance

MSII vs. MST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF (MSII) and Defiance Leveraged Long Income MSTR ETF (MST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSII achieves a -28.10% return, which is significantly higher than MST's -64.78% return.

MSII

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -30.37%
• YTD: -28.10%
• 6M: -30.19%
• 1Y: -70.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MST

• 1D: -9.27%
• 1M: -57.88%
• YTD: -64.78%
• 6M: -66.93%
• 1Y: -94.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSII vs. MST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MSII REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF	-28.10%	-61.03%
MST Defiance Leveraged Long Income MSTR ETF	-64.78%	-86.54%

Correlation

The correlation between MSII and MST is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2025	0.96

The correlation between MSII and MST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSII vs. MST — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSII

MSII Risk / Return Rank: 1
MSII Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
MSII Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
MSII Omega Ratio Rank: 1
MSII Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MSII Martin Ratio Rank: 3

MST

MST Risk / Return Rank: 1
MST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
MST Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
MST Omega Ratio Rank: 0
MST Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MST Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

MSII vs. MST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF (MSII) and Defiance Leveraged Long Income MSTR ETF (MST). 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.

	MSII	MST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.98	-0.73	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.76	-2.23	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.79	0.76	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.90	-0.99	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.28	-1.26	-0.02

MSII vs. MST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSII Sharpe Ratio is -0.98, which is lower than the MST Sharpe Ratio of -0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSII and MST, 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

MSII vs. MST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSII drawdown since its inception was -78.73%, smaller than the maximum MST drawdown of -96.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSII and MST.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSII	MST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.73%	-96.24%	+17.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-78.73%	-96.24%	+17.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-76.65%	-96.24%	+19.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-47.49%	-63.50%	+16.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	55.34%	75.46%	-20.12%

Volatility

MSII vs. MST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF (MSII) is 21.17%, while Defiance Leveraged Long Income MSTR ETF (MST) has a volatility of 40.51%. This indicates that MSII experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSII	MST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.17%	40.51%	-19.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	56.72%	103.49%	-46.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	71.96%	129.73%	-57.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	70.62%	124.35%	-53.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	70.62%	124.35%	-53.73%

MSII vs. MST - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSII has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than MST's 1.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSII vs. MST - Dividend Comparison

MSII's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 97.58%, less than MST's 1,159.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MSII REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF	97.58%	48.93%
MST Defiance Leveraged Long Income MSTR ETF	1,159.04%	381.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSII and MST in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MSII and MST move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MSII or MST?

MST has higher volatility (40.51%) compared to MSII (21.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSII dropped -78.73% vs MST's -96.24%.

Which ETF is better, MSII or MST?

On 1-year performance, MSII leads with -70.57% vs -94.85% for MST. On fees, MSII is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, MSII has been the lower-risk option at 21.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSII or MST?

Over the 1-year period, MSII has performed better with a -70.57% return vs -94.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSII or MST?

MSII is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.31% for MST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSII or MST?

MST has the higher dividend yield at 1159.04%, compared with 97.58% for MSII.

What is the main difference between MSII and MST?

MSII is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while MST is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: REX and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for MSII and 1.31% for MST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.73 vs -0.98), 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.