SVIX vs. SMST

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SVIX (Volatility Shares -1x Short VIX Futures ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both Inverse Equities funds. Over the past year, SVIX returned 51.46% vs 73.40% for SMST. At a correlation of -0.35, they often move in opposite directions. SVIX charges 1.47%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

SVIX vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Volatility Shares -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX) 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, SVIX achieves a -8.17% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -49.49% return.

SVIX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 16.92%
• YTD: -8.17%
• 6M: 7.59%
• 1Y: 51.46%
• 3Y*: -0.59%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 13.96%
• 1M: 85.04%
• YTD: -49.49%
• 6M: -27.60%
• 1Y: 73.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SVIX vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SVIX Volatility Shares -1x Short VIX Futures ETF	-8.17%	-4.49%	-17.76%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-49.49%	-44.36%	-90.90%

Correlation

The correlation between SVIX and SMST is -0.32, 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	-0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 22, 2024	-0.35

Return for Risk

SVIX vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

SVIX

SVIX Risk / Return Rank: 26
SVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
SVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
SVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
SVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
SVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 24
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 32
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

SVIX vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Volatility Shares -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX) 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.

	SVIX	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	0.52	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.46	1.63	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.21	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.21	0.86	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.50	1.81	+1.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SVIX vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SVIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is higher than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 0.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SVIX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SVIX	SMST	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95	0.52	+0.42
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	-0.52	+0.68

Drawdowns

SVIX vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	SVIX	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.30%	-99.25%	+19.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-42.69%	-85.39%	+42.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-79.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-56.14%	-98.02%	+41.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.60%	-90.67%	+59.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.75%	40.73%	-25.98%

Volatility

SVIX vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Volatility Shares -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX) is 7.38%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 37.33%. This indicates that SVIX 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

	SVIX	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.38%	37.33%	-29.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.05%	126.48%	-85.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.75%	140.93%	-86.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	66.27%	166.79%	-100.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	66.27%	166.79%	-100.52%

SVIX vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SVIX vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

Neither SVIX nor SMST has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SVIX and SMST in my portfolio?

SVIX and SMST have a correlation of -0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SVIX or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (37.33%) compared to SVIX (7.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SVIX dropped -79.30% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, SVIX or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 73.40% vs 51.46% for SVIX. On fees, SMST is cheaper at 1.29% per year. On volatility, SVIX has been the lower-risk option at 7.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SVIX or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 73.40% return vs 51.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SVIX or SMST?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between SVIX and SMST?

They also come from different issuers: Volatility Shares and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 1.47% for SVIX and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.95 vs 0.52), 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.