SMDX vs. RYLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMDX (Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) and RYLD (Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMDX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Intech, while RYLD is a Derivative Income fund tracking the CBOE Russell 2000 BuyWrite Index. SMDX is actively managed, while RYLD is passively managed. Over the past year, SMDX returned 29.15% vs 20.74% for RYLD. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMDX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for RYLD.

Performance

SMDX vs. RYLD - 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 Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMDX achieves a 15.69% return, which is significantly higher than RYLD's 9.51% return.

SMDX

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 15.69%
• 6M: 13.56%
• 1Y: 29.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RYLD

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 2.12%
• YTD: 9.51%
• 6M: 8.37%
• 1Y: 20.74%
• 3Y*: 8.72%
• 5Y*: 2.45%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMDX vs. RYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	15.69%	14.46%
RYLD Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF	9.51%	6.41%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDX and RYLD is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2025	0.78

The correlation between SMDX and RYLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMDX vs. RYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMDX

SMDX Risk / Return Rank: 63
SMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
SMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

RYLD

RYLD Risk / Return Rank: 68
RYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
RYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
RYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 73
RYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
RYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. RYLD - 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 Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD). 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.

	SMDX	RYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.96	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.76	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.41	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	3.31	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.75	13.37	-1.62

SMDX vs. RYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the RYLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMDX and RYLD, 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

SMDX vs. RYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDX drawdown since its inception was -14.52%, smaller than the maximum RYLD drawdown of -41.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDX and RYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDX	RYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.52%	-41.53%	+27.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.66%	-6.29%	-2.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-0.50%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.32%	-8.78%	+6.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	1.55%	+0.94%

Volatility

SMDX vs. RYLD - Volatility Comparison

Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) has a higher volatility of 4.23% compared to Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD) at 2.00%. This indicates that SMDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMDX	RYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	2.00%	+2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.79%	7.80%	+3.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.67%	10.66%	+6.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	14.05%	+6.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.99%	17.15%	+3.84%

SMDX vs. RYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than RYLD's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDX vs. RYLD - Dividend Comparison

SMDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%, less than RYLD's 11.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
RYLD Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF	11.73%	12.00%	12.03%	12.64%	13.49%	12.35%	10.76%	6.43%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	0.52%	0.61%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMDX and RYLD in my portfolio?

SMDX and RYLD have a correlation of 0.78, 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 RYLD?

SMDX has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to RYLD (2.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMDX dropped -14.52% vs RYLD's -41.53%.

Which ETF is better, SMDX or RYLD?

On 1-year performance, SMDX leads with 29.15% vs 20.74% for RYLD. On fees, SMDX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, RYLD has been the lower-risk option at 2.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMDX or RYLD?

Over the 1-year period, SMDX has performed better with a 29.15% return vs 20.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDX or RYLD?

SMDX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for RYLD.

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

RYLD has the higher dividend yield at 11.73%, compared with 0.52% for SMDX.

What is the main difference between SMDX and RYLD?

SMDX is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RYLD is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Intech and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMDX and 0.60% for RYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.76), 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.