SMST vs. BNKD

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) and BNKD (MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs) are both Inverse Equities funds. SMST is actively managed, while BNKD is passively managed. Over the past year, SMST returned 223.39% vs -67.97% for BNKD. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMST charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BNKD.

Performance

SMST vs. BNKD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs (BNKD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMST achieves a -36.68% return, which is significantly higher than BNKD's -44.37% return.

SMST

• 1D: -12.10%
• 1M: 26.91%
• 6M: -13.52%
• YTD: -36.68%
• 1Y: 223.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BNKD

• 1D: -2.62%
• 1M: -16.97%
• 6M: -41.52%
• YTD: -44.37%
• 1Y: -67.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMST vs. BNKD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-36.68%	-13.59%
BNKD MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs	-44.37%	-59.47%

Correlation

The correlation between SMST and BNKD is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.30

Return for Risk

SMST vs. BNKD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 56
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 40

BNKD

BNKD Risk / Return Rank: 0
BNKD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
BNKD Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
BNKD Omega Ratio Rank: 1
BNKD Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
BNKD Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

SMST vs. BNKD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs (BNKD). 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.

	SMST	BNKD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	-1.15	+2.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	-2.23	+4.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	0.76	+0.53
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	-0.98	+3.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.07	-1.64	+6.71

SMST vs. BNKD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMST Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is higher than the BNKD Sharpe Ratio of -1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMST and BNKD, 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

SMST vs. BNKD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMST drawdown since its inception was -99.25%, which is greater than BNKD's maximum drawdown of -89.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMST and BNKD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMST	BNKD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.25%	-89.07%	-10.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-85.39%	-69.24%	-16.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-97.51%	-89.07%	-8.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-90.91%	-65.63%	-25.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	44.25%	41.39%	+2.86%

Volatility

SMST vs. BNKD - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a higher volatility of 57.45% compared to MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs (BNKD) at 16.89%. This indicates that SMST's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BNKD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMST	BNKD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	57.45%	16.89%	+40.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	136.03%	46.96%	+89.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	149.51%	59.02%	+90.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	167.79%	73.44%	+94.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	167.79%	73.44%	+94.35%

SMST vs. BNKD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMST has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than BNKD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMST vs. BNKD - Dividend Comparison

Neither SMST nor BNKD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMST and BNKD in my portfolio?

SMST and BNKD have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMST or BNKD?

SMST has higher volatility (57.45%) compared to BNKD (16.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMST dropped -99.25% vs BNKD's -89.07%.

Which ETF is better, SMST or BNKD?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 223.39% vs -67.97% for BNKD. On fees, BNKD is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BNKD has been the lower-risk option at 16.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMST or BNKD?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 223.39% return vs -67.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMST or BNKD?

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

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

SMST and BNKD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between SMST and BNKD?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs -1.15), 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.