SMST vs VTI
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SMST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -57.29% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.65% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 182.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SMST vs VTI Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMST returned +31.65% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, SMST is down 57.29% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 182.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMST charges 1.31% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMST and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMST | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSTR | -43.82% | 0.04% | 43.86% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMST or VTI?
SMST has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMST or VTI?
Over the past year SMST returned +31.65% vs +21.39% for VTI, so SMST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMST annualized -85.87% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMST or VTI?
SMST has been the more volatile fund at 182.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMST -99.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMST and VTI?
SMST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMST and VTI?
SMST and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMST or VTI?
SMST yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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