RB vs. SMAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) and SMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. RB is passively managed, while SMAX is actively managed. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RB charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SMAX.

Performance

RB vs. SMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RB achieves a 6.76% return, which is significantly higher than SMAX's 3.09% return.

RB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 6.76%
• 6M: 8.48%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMAX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 1.09%
• YTD: 3.09%
• 6M: 3.54%
• 1Y: 9.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RB vs. SMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	6.76%	10.58%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	3.09%	4.79%

Correlation

The correlation between RB and SMAX is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.50

Return for Risk

RB vs. SMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMAX

SMAX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
SMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

RB vs. SMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RB	SMAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.46	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.15	2.01	+1.14

Drawdowns

RB vs. SMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RB drawdown since its inception was -1.70%, smaller than the maximum SMAX drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RB and SMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RB	SMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-3.90%	+2.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-0.09%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.41%	-0.40%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.35%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RB	SMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.38%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.10%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.21%	2.67%	+3.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.21%	3.67%	+2.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.21%	3.67%	+2.54%

RB vs. SMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RB has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than SMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RB vs. SMAX - Dividend Comparison

RB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.00%, more than SMAX's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	2.00%	1.78%	0.00%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	0.95%	0.98%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RB and SMAX in my portfolio?

RB and SMAX 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 ETF is better, RB or SMAX?

On fees, SMAX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RB or SMAX?

SMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for RB.

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

RB has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.95% for SMAX.

What is the main difference between RB and SMAX?

They also come from different issuers: ProShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for RB and 0.50% for SMAX.