SOXX vs VTI
SOXX vs VTI
iShares Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SOXX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOXX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +73.38% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +126.63% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +48.30% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +29.62% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
SOXX vs VTI Performance
iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOXX returned +126.63% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SOXX is up 73.38% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, SOXX compounded at +48.30% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +29.62% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SOXX has the edge at +14.14% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -70.2% for SOXX 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOXX charges 0.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $3 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXX currently yields 0.23% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SOXX and VTI share 22 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SOXX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.34% | 6.32% | 1.02% |
| MU | 8.03% | 1.79% | 6.24% |
| AMD | 8.47% | 1.30% | 7.17% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KLAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRVL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SOXX shares with VTI 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, SOXX or VTI?
SOXX has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXX or VTI?
Over the past year SOXX returned +126.63% vs +24.16% for VTI, so SOXX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), SOXX annualized +14.14% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXX or VTI?
SOXX has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SOXX -70.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SOXX and VTI?
SOXX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOXX and VTI?
SOXX and VTI share 22 common holdings with a 16.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXX or VTI?
SOXX yields 0.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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