SPYT vs. SMST

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SPYT (Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPYT is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Defiance, while SMST is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SPYT returned 18.06% vs 240.03% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.47, they often move in opposite directions. SPYT charges 0.87%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

SPYT vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPYT achieves a 9.52% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -27.96% return.

SPYT

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 1.51%
• 6M: 7.86%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 1Y: 18.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 5.26%
• 1M: 44.38%
• 6M: -15.07%
• YTD: -27.96%
• 1Y: 240.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SPYT vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SPYT Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF	9.52%	12.41%	4.58%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-27.96%	-44.36%	-91.71%

Correlation

The correlation between SPYT and SMST is -0.49, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2024	-0.47

Return for Risk

SPYT vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPYT

SPYT Risk / Return Rank: 62
SPYT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SPYT Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SPYT Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SPYT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SPYT Martin Ratio Rank: 68

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 60
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

SPYT vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST). 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.

	SPYT	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.62	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.33	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	2.83	-0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.85	5.47	+4.37

SPYT vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPYT Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPYT and SMST, 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

SPYT vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPYT drawdown since its inception was -18.25%, smaller than the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPYT and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPYT	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.25%	-99.25%	+81.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.00%	-85.39%	+77.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-97.17%	+96.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.99%	-90.89%	+88.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.84%	44.09%	-42.25%

Volatility

SPYT vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT) is 3.64%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 56.59%. This indicates that SPYT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPYT	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.64%	56.59%	-52.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.31%	135.88%	-126.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.51%	149.23%	-137.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.79%	167.74%	-152.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.79%	167.74%	-152.95%

SPYT vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPYT has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPYT vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

SPYT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.01%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPYT Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF	21.01%	21.40%	17.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPYT and SMST in my portfolio?

SPYT and SMST have a correlation of -0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPYT or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (56.59%) compared to SPYT (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPYT dropped -18.25% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, SPYT or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 240.03% vs 18.06% for SPYT. On fees, SPYT is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, SPYT has been the lower-risk option at 3.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPYT or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 18.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPYT or SMST?

SPYT is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

SPYT has the higher dividend yield at 21.01%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between SPYT and SMST?

SPYT is categorized as Derivative Income, while SMST is Inverse Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for SPYT and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.58), 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.