SMDX vs. RB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMDX (Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) and RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMDX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Intech, while RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000. SMDX is actively managed, while RB is passively managed. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMDX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for RB.

Performance

SMDX vs. RB - 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 ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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 higher than RB's 6.76% return.

SMDX

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

RB

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

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

SMDX vs. RB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	13.72%	9.87%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	6.76%	10.58%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDX and RB is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.73

Return for Risk

SMDX vs. RB — 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

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. RB - 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 ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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	RB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.40	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMDX	RB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.72	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.10	3.15	-2.05

Drawdowns

SMDX vs. RB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDX drawdown since its inception was -14.52%, which is greater than RB's maximum drawdown of -1.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDX and RB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDX	RB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.52%	-1.70%	-12.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-0.47%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-0.41%	-1.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMDX	RB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.56%	6.21%	+10.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.19%	6.21%	+14.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.19%	6.21%	+14.98%

SMDX vs. RB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than RB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDX vs. RB - Dividend Comparison

SMDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, less than RB's 2.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	2.00%	1.78%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	0.53%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMDX and RB in my portfolio?

SMDX and RB have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMDX or RB?

On fees, SMDX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDX or RB?

SMDX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for RB.

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

RB has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.53% for SMDX.

What is the main difference between SMDX and RB?

SMDX is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RB is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Intech and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMDX and 0.58% for RB.