USMV vs. STRN

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) and STRN (SMART Trend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USMV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while STRN is a Actively Managed fund actively managed by SmartWay. USMV is passively managed, while STRN is actively managed. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. USMV charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for STRN.

Performance

USMV vs. STRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) 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, USMV achieves a 3.90% return, which is significantly lower than STRN's 19.31% return.

USMV

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 1.27%
• 6M: 3.44%
• YTD: 3.90%
• 1Y: 6.27%
• 3Y*: 11.14%
• 5Y*: 6.96%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

STRN

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

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

USMV vs. STRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	3.90%	0.87%
STRN SMART Trend ETF	19.31%	10.48%

Correlation

The correlation between USMV and STRN is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2025	0.21

Return for Risk

USMV vs. STRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 25
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 22
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

USMV vs. STRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) 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.

	USMV	STRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.10	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.18	—	—

Drawdowns

USMV vs. STRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMV drawdown since its inception was -33.10%, which is greater than STRN's maximum drawdown of -15.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMV and STRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMV	STRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.10%	-15.43%	-17.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-8.89%	+7.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-3.00%	+0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USMV	STRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.00%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.41%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.53%	26.85%	-18.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.38%	26.85%	-14.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.50%	26.85%	-12.35%

USMV vs. STRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMV has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than STRN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

USMV vs. STRN - Dividend Comparison

USMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, more than STRN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
STRN SMART Trend ETF	0.15%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.49%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USMV and STRN in my portfolio?

USMV and STRN have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, USMV or STRN?

On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, USMV or STRN?

USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for STRN.

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

USMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.15% for STRN.

What is the main difference between USMV and STRN?

USMV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while STRN is Actively Managed. They also come from different issuers: iShares and SmartWay. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for USMV and 0.59% for STRN.