UPSD vs. STRN

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

UPSD (Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF) and STRN (SMART Trend ETF) are both Actively Managed funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UPSD charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for STRN.

Performance

UPSD vs. STRN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UPSD achieves a 8.09% return, which is significantly lower than STRN's 26.14% return.

UPSD

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.68%
• 6M: 6.70%
• YTD: 8.09%
• 1Y: 17.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STRN

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: 3.03%
• 6M: 21.56%
• YTD: 26.14%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

UPSD vs. STRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
UPSD Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF	8.09%	5.53%
STRN SMART Trend ETF	26.14%	10.48%

Correlation

The correlation between UPSD and STRN is 0.64, 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	0.64

Return for Risk

UPSD vs. STRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPSD

UPSD Risk / Return Rank: 40
UPSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
UPSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
UPSD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
UPSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
UPSD Martin Ratio Rank: 43

STRN

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

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.

UPSD vs. STRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	UPSD	STRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.66	—	—

Drawdowns

UPSD vs. STRN - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	UPSD	STRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.85%	-15.43%	-8.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.91%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.67%	+3.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.80%	-2.92%	-0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	UPSD	STRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	26.65%	-12.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	26.65%	-5.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	26.65%	-5.81%

UPSD vs. STRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

UPSD vs. STRN - Dividend Comparison

UPSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, more than STRN's 0.15% 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 UPSD and STRN in my portfolio?

UPSD and STRN have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, UPSD or STRN?

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, UPSD or STRN?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between UPSD and STRN?

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