STOX vs. SMOX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STOX (Horizon Core Equity ETF) and SMOX (Horizon Small/Mid Cap Core Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STOX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Horizon, while SMOX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Horizon. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STOX charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SMOX.

Performance

STOX vs. SMOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) and Horizon Small/Mid Cap Core Equity ETF (SMOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STOX achieves a 10.00% return, which is significantly lower than SMOX's 17.11% return.

STOX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 10.00%
• 6M: 10.04%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMOX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 2.23%
• YTD: 17.11%
• 6M: 17.62%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STOX vs. SMOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	10.00%	0.04%
SMOX Horizon Small/Mid Cap Core Equity ETF	17.11%	0.44%

Correlation

The correlation between STOX and SMOX is 0.72, 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 Dec 4, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

STOX vs. SMOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) and Horizon Small/Mid Cap Core Equity ETF (SMOX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STOX	SMOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	2.52	-0.44

Drawdowns

STOX vs. SMOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STOX drawdown since its inception was -9.33%, which is greater than SMOX's maximum drawdown of -7.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STOX and SMOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	STOX	SMOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.33%	-7.76%	-1.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.04%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-1.49%	+0.33%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STOX	SMOX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.39%	15.55%	-3.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.39%	15.55%	-3.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.39%	15.55%	-3.16%

STOX vs. SMOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STOX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than SMOX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

STOX vs. SMOX - Dividend Comparison

STOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, more than SMOX's 0.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
SMOX Horizon Small/Mid Cap Core Equity ETF	0.07%	0.08%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	0.17%	0.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STOX and SMOX in my portfolio?

STOX and SMOX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, STOX or SMOX?

On fees, STOX is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STOX or SMOX?

STOX is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for SMOX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STOX or SMOX?

STOX has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.07% for SMOX.

What is the main difference between STOX and SMOX?

STOX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while SMOX is Mid Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for STOX and 0.75% for SMOX.