SMDX vs. DES

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMDX (Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) and DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SMDX is actively managed, while DES is passively managed. Over the past year, SMDX returned 28.25% vs 25.57% for DES. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMDX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for DES.

Performance

SMDX vs. DES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) and WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMDX achieves a 13.72% return, which is significantly lower than DES's 15.19% return.

SMDX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 2.07%
• YTD: 13.72%
• 6M: 13.55%
• 1Y: 28.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DES

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 6M: 14.26%
• 1Y: 25.57%
• 3Y*: 14.17%
• 5Y*: 5.96%
• 10Y*: 8.04%

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

SMDX vs. DES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	13.72%	14.21%
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	15.19%	2.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDX and DES is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2025	0.86

The correlation between SMDX and DES has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMDX vs. DES — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMDX

SMDX Risk / Return Rank: 57
SMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DES

DES Risk / Return Rank: 51
DES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DES Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
DES Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DES Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
DES Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

SMDX vs. DES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) and WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES). 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.

	SMDX	DES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.57	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.36	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.28	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	3.36	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.40	9.57	+1.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMDX vs. DES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the DES Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMDX and DES, 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

	SMDX	DES	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.72	1.57	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.31	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.10	0.31	+0.78

Drawdowns

SMDX vs. DES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDX drawdown since its inception was -14.52%, smaller than the maximum DES drawdown of -65.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDX and DES.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDX	DES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.52%	-65.48%	+50.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.66%	-7.64%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.16%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.16%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-1.52%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-9.68%	+7.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	2.68%	-0.19%

Volatility

SMDX vs. DES - Volatility Comparison

Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) and WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) have volatilities of 4.26% and 4.19%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMDX	DES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	4.19%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	11.02%	+0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.56%	16.46%	+0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.19%	19.57%	+1.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.19%	21.97%	-0.78%

SMDX vs. DES - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than DES's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDX vs. DES - Dividend Comparison

SMDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, less than DES's 2.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.40%	2.85%	2.81%	2.65%	2.89%	2.31%	2.75%	2.68%	3.65%	2.89%	2.70%	3.09%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	0.53%	0.61%	0.00%	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 SMDX and DES in my portfolio?

SMDX and DES have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMDX or DES?

SMDX has higher volatility (4.26%) compared to DES (4.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMDX dropped -14.52% vs DES's -65.48%.

Which ETF is better, SMDX or DES?

On 1-year performance, SMDX leads with 28.25% vs 25.57% for DES. On fees, SMDX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMDX or DES?

Over the 1-year period, SMDX has performed better with a 28.25% return vs 25.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDX or DES?

SMDX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for DES.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMDX or DES?

DES has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 0.53% for SMDX.

What is the main difference between SMDX and DES?

They also come from different issuers: Intech and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMDX and 0.38% for DES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.56), 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.