SMST vs. SVIX

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) and SVIX (-1x Short VIX Futures ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while SVIX is a Volatility fund tracking the Short VIX Futures Index. SMST is actively managed, while SVIX is passively managed. Over the past year, SMST returned 121.46% vs 52.31% for SVIX. Their -0.36 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. SMST charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.47%/yr for SVIX.

Performance

SMST vs. SVIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) and -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMST achieves a -37.72% return, which is significantly lower than SVIX's 0.58% return.

SMST

• 1D: -3.03%
• 1M: 2.28%
• 6M: -39.60%
• YTD: -37.72%
• 1Y: 121.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -83.81%

SVIX

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 2.57%
• 6M: 2.35%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 1Y: 52.31%
• 3Y*: -2.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.02%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	$15.12M	$14.46M	$17.51M
SVIX -1x Short VIX Futures ETF	$63.66M	$59.67M	$62.71M

SMST vs. SVIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-37.72%	-44.36%	-91.71%
SVIX -1x Short VIX Futures ETF	0.58%	-4.49%	-18.95%

Correlation

The correlation between SMST and SVIX is -0.37, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.36

Return for Risk

SMST vs. SVIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 40
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 29

SVIX

SVIX Risk / Return Rank: 37
SVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
SVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SMST vs. SVIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) and -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX). 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	SVIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	0.94	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	1.46	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.20	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	1.23	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.62	3.49	-0.87

SMST vs. SVIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMST Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is comparable to the SVIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMST and SVIX, 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. SVIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMST drawdown since its inception was -99.25%, which is greater than SVIX's maximum drawdown of -79.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMST and SVIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMST	SVIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.25%	-79.30%	-19.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-85.39%	-42.69%	-42.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-79.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-97.55%	-51.96%	-45.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-91.09%	-32.42%	-58.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	46.51%	15.03%	+31.48%

Volatility

SMST vs. SVIX - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a higher volatility of 34.07% compared to -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX) at 14.34%. This indicates that SMST's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SVIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMST	SVIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	34.07%	14.34%	+19.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	134.96%	42.92%	+92.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	150.32%	55.96%	+94.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	166.60%	65.78%	+100.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	166.60%	65.78%	+100.82%

SMST vs. SVIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMST has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is lower than SVIX's 1.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMST vs. SVIX - Dividend Comparison

Neither SMST nor SVIX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMST and SVIX in my portfolio?

SMST and SVIX have a correlation of -0.37, 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 SVIX?

SMST has higher volatility (34.07%) compared to SVIX (14.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMST dropped -99.25% vs SVIX's -79.30%.

Which ETF is better, SMST or SVIX?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 121.46% vs 52.31% for SVIX. On fees, SMST is cheaper at 1.29% per year. On volatility, SVIX has been the lower-risk option at 14.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMST or SVIX?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 121.46% return vs 52.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMST or SVIX?

SMST is cheaper with a 1.29% expense ratio, compared with 1.47% for SVIX.

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

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

What is the main difference between SMST and SVIX?

SMST is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SVIX is Volatility. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Volatility Shares. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for SMST and 1.47% for SVIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs 0.81), 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.