TSLQ vs. SMST

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

TSLQ (AXS TSLA Bear Daily ETF) and SMST (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF) are both Inverse Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, TSLQ returned -62.78% vs 40.09% for SMST. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. TSLQ charges 1.15%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for SMST.

Performance

TSLQ vs. SMST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AXS TSLA Bear Daily ETF (TSLQ) 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, TSLQ achieves a -3.80% return, which is significantly higher than SMST's -55.68% return.

TSLQ

• 1D: -3.75%
• 1M: -18.02%
• YTD: -3.80%
• 6M: -15.12%
• 1Y: -62.78%
• 3Y*: -68.13%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMST

• 1D: 17.75%
• 1M: 49.84%
• YTD: -55.68%
• 6M: -41.65%
• 1Y: 40.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TSLQ vs. SMST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TSLQ AXS TSLA Bear Daily ETF	-3.80%	-74.67%	-82.93%
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	-55.68%	-44.36%	-90.90%

Correlation

The correlation between TSLQ and SMST is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 22, 2024	0.43

Return for Risk

TSLQ vs. SMST — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSLQ

TSLQ Risk / Return Rank: 3
TSLQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
TSLQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
TSLQ Omega Ratio Rank: 3
TSLQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
TSLQ Martin Ratio Rank: 4

SMST

SMST Risk / Return Rank: 18
SMST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
SMST Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
SMST Omega Ratio Rank: 26
SMST Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
SMST Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

TSLQ vs. SMST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AXS TSLA Bear Daily ETF (TSLQ) 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.

	TSLQ	SMST	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.68	0.29	-0.97
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.86	1.40	-2.26
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.18	-0.27
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.82	0.44	-1.26
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-1.04	0.93	-1.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TSLQ vs. SMST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TSLQ Sharpe Ratio is -0.68, which is lower than the SMST Sharpe Ratio of 0.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TSLQ 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

	TSLQ	SMST	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.68	0.29	-0.97
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.65	-0.53	-0.12

Drawdowns

TSLQ vs. SMST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSLQ drawdown since its inception was -98.73%, roughly equal to the maximum SMST drawdown of -99.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSLQ and SMST.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSLQ	SMST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.73%	-99.25%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-75.93%	-85.39%	+9.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-97.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-98.57%	-98.26%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-67.15%	-90.65%	+23.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	59.46%	40.51%	+18.95%

Volatility

TSLQ vs. SMST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AXS TSLA Bear Daily ETF (TSLQ) is 24.08%, while Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) has a volatility of 37.28%. This indicates that TSLQ 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

	TSLQ	SMST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	24.08%	37.28%	-13.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	54.84%	125.90%	-71.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	92.72%	140.31%	-47.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	94.16%	166.64%	-72.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	94.16%	166.64%	-72.48%

TSLQ vs. SMST - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSLQ has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SMST's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

TSLQ vs. SMST - Dividend Comparison

TSLQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.98%, while SMST has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
SMST Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TSLQ AXS TSLA Bear Daily ETF	10.98%	10.56%	4.95%	13.35%	2.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TSLQ and SMST in my portfolio?

TSLQ and SMST have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TSLQ or SMST?

SMST has higher volatility (37.28%) compared to TSLQ (24.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TSLQ dropped -98.73% vs SMST's -99.25%.

Which ETF is better, TSLQ or SMST?

On 1-year performance, SMST leads with 40.09% vs -62.78% for TSLQ. On fees, TSLQ is cheaper at 1.15% per year. On volatility, TSLQ has been the lower-risk option at 24.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TSLQ or SMST?

Over the 1-year period, SMST has performed better with a 40.09% return vs -62.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TSLQ or SMST?

TSLQ is cheaper with a 1.15% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SMST.

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

TSLQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.98%, compared with 0.00% for SMST.

What is the main difference between TSLQ and SMST?

They also come from different issuers: AXS and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 1.15% for TSLQ and 1.29% for SMST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.29 vs -0.68), 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.