SMH vs SOXQ
SMH vs SOXQ
VanEck Semiconductor ETF vs Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF
Quick Verdict
SOXQ has a lower expense ratio. SOXQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SOXQ offers more diversification with 31 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMH | SOXQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $67.5B | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +56.09% | +67.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +100.78% | +120.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +56.80% | +50.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +35.06% | +30.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.4% | 36.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.5% | -46.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Jun 11, 2021 |
SMH vs SOXQ Performance
VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year SMH returned +100.78% while SOXQ returned +120.05%. Year to date, SMH is up 56.09% versus a gain of 67.93% for SOXQ.
Over three years, SMH compounded at +56.80% per year against +50.68% for SOXQ; over five years the annualized figures are +35.06% and +30.56% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SOXQ has the edge at +31.01% annualized vs +11.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.4% compared with 31.4% for SMH. 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 -85.5% for SMH and -46.0% for SOXQ. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMH charges 0.35% per year while SOXQ charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $19 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMH currently yields 0.17% against 0.25% for SOXQ.
Holdings Overlap
SMH and SOXQ share 21 holdings out of 35 unique holdings combined, representing a 70.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMH | Weight in SOXQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 20.70% | 10.46% | 10.24% |
| MU | 5.51% | 8.91% | 3.40% |
| AVGO | 6.20% | 7.88% | 1.68% |
| TSM:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KLAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASML:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRVL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SMH shares with SOXQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMH or SOXQ?
SMH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SOXQ charges 0.19%. SOXQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMH or SOXQ?
Over the past year SMH returned +100.78% vs +120.05% for SOXQ, so SOXQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SMH annualized +11.40% vs +31.01% for SOXQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMH or SOXQ?
SOXQ has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 31.4% for SMH. Worst drawdown: SMH -85.5% vs SOXQ -46.0%.
Should I hold both SMH and SOXQ?
SMH and SOXQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SMH and SOXQ?
SMH and SOXQ share 21 common holdings with a 70.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 35 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMH or SOXQ?
SMH yields 0.17% while SOXQ yields 0.25%, so SOXQ 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.