SMST vs VOO
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SMST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMST | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -37.21% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +142.05% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 180.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMST vs VOO Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMST returned +142.05% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, SMST is down 37.21% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 180.6% compared with 14.2% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -99.3% for SMST and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMST charges 1.31% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $3 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMST currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMST and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMST or VOO?
SMST has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMST or VOO?
Over the past year SMST returned +142.05% vs +22.02% for VOO, so SMST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMST annualized -83.15% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMST or VOO?
SMST has been the more volatile fund at 180.6% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMST -99.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMST and VOO?
SMST and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMST and VOO?
SMST and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMST or VOO?
SMST yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.