SMST vs VXUS
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SMST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMST | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $24M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -40.22% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +143.97% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 180.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMST vs VXUS Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMST returned +143.97% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SMST is down 40.22% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 180.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMST charges 1.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $5 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMST currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMST and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 VXUS?
SMST has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMST or VXUS?
Over the past year SMST returned +143.97% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so SMST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMST annualized -83.81% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMST or VXUS?
SMST has been the more volatile fund at 180.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMST -99.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMST and VXUS?
SMST and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMST and VXUS?
SMST and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMST or VXUS?
SMST yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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