SEF vs. SMST

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SEF (ProShares Short Financials) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both Inverse Equities funds. SEF is passively managed, while SMST is actively managed. Over the past year, SEF returned 3.73% vs 73.40% for SMST. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SEF charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

SEF vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short Financials (SEF) 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, SEF achieves a 8.89% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -49.49% return.

SEF

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 8.89%
• 6M: 6.43%
• 1Y: 3.73%
• 3Y*: -10.34%
• 5Y*: -5.21%
• 10Y*: -11.50%

SMST

• 1D: 13.96%
• 1M: 85.04%
• YTD: -49.49%
• 6M: -27.60%
• 1Y: 73.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEF vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEF ProShares Short Financials	8.89%	-9.82%	-8.32%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-49.49%	-44.36%	-90.90%

Correlation

The correlation between SEF and SMST is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 22, 2024	0.26

Return for Risk

SEF vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEF

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

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 24
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 32
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

SEF vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short Financials (SEF) 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.

	SEF	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	0.52	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	1.63	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.21	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.39	0.86	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.73	1.81	-1.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SEF vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEF Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 0.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEF 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SEF	SMST	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	0.52	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.29	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.56	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.49	-0.52	+0.04

Drawdowns

SEF vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEF drawdown since its inception was -96.51%, roughly equal to the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEF and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEF	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.51%	-99.25%	+2.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.72%	-85.39%	+75.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-75.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-96.09%	-98.02%	+1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.72%	-90.67%	+7.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.14%	40.73%	-35.59%

Volatility

SEF vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is 3.01%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 37.33%. This indicates that SEF 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

	SEF	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.01%	37.33%	-34.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.85%	126.48%	-115.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.34%	140.93%	-126.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.96%	166.79%	-148.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.52%	166.79%	-146.27%

SEF vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEF has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEF vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

SEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.35%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SEF ProShares Short Financials	3.35%	4.33%	5.72%	4.43%	0.39%	0.00%	0.12%	1.25%	0.41%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEF and SMST in my portfolio?

SEF and SMST have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEF or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (37.33%) compared to SEF (3.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEF dropped -96.51% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, SEF or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 73.40% vs 3.73% for SEF. On fees, SEF is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, SEF has been the lower-risk option at 3.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEF or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 73.40% return vs 3.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEF or SMST?

SEF is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

SEF has the higher dividend yield at 3.35%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between SEF and SMST?

They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SEF and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.52 vs 0.26), 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.