STRN vs. UPSD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

STRN (SMART Trend ETF) and UPSD (Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF) are both Actively Managed funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STRN charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for UPSD.

Performance

STRN vs. UPSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SMART Trend ETF (STRN) and Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STRN achieves a 19.31% return, which is significantly higher than UPSD's 8.80% return.

STRN

• 1D: -3.03%
• 1M: -6.46%
• 6M: 14.02%
• YTD: 19.31%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

UPSD

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.74%
• 6M: 6.85%
• YTD: 8.80%
• 1Y: 18.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STRN vs. UPSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STRN SMART Trend ETF	19.31%	10.48%
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	8.80%	5.53%

Correlation

The correlation between STRN and UPSD is 0.63, 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 Aug 20, 2025	0.63

Return for Risk

STRN vs. UPSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

STRN

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

UPSD

UPSD Risk / Return Rank: 42
UPSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
UPSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
UPSD Omega Ratio Rank: 43
UPSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
UPSD Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

STRN vs. UPSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SMART Trend ETF (STRN) and Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD). 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.

	STRN	UPSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.29	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.77	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.23	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.54	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.04	—

Drawdowns

STRN vs. UPSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STRN drawdown since its inception was -15.43%, smaller than the maximum UPSD drawdown of -23.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STRN and UPSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	STRN	UPSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.43%	-23.85%	+8.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.89%	0.00%	-8.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.00%	-3.76%	+0.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STRN	UPSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.85%	14.27%	+12.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.85%	20.71%	+6.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.85%	20.71%	+6.14%

STRN vs. UPSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

STRN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than UPSD's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

STRN vs. UPSD - Dividend Comparison

STRN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than UPSD's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
STRN SMART Trend ETF	0.15%	0.18%	0.00%
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	0.66%	0.67%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STRN and UPSD in my portfolio?

STRN and UPSD have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, STRN or UPSD?

On fees, STRN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STRN or UPSD?

STRN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for UPSD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STRN or UPSD?

UPSD has the higher dividend yield at 0.66%, compared with 0.15% for STRN.

What is the main difference between STRN and UPSD?

They also come from different issuers: SmartWay and Aptus. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for STRN and 0.79% for UPSD.