BCTK vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BCTK (Baron Technology ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BCTK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. BCTK is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BCTK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

BCTK vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron Technology ETF (BCTK) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BCTK achieves a 27.46% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 77.13% return.

BCTK

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 15.19%
• YTD: 27.46%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 25.87%
• YTD: 77.13%
• 6M: 75.61%
• 1Y: 157.20%
• 3Y*: 64.17%
• 5Y*: 39.21%
• 10Y*: 37.68%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BCTK vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BCTK Baron Technology ETF	27.46%	1.80%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	77.13%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BCTK and SMH is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

BCTK vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BCTK vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron Technology ETF (BCTK) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BCTK	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	5.19	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.13	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.16	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.83	0.34	+2.49

Drawdowns

BCTK vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BCTK drawdown since its inception was -13.96%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BCTK and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	BCTK	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.96%	-84.96%	+71.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.93%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.74%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.30%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.76%	0.00%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.00%	-41.09%	+38.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCTK	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.47%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.29%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.98%	30.56%	-3.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.98%	35.01%	-8.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.98%	32.57%	-5.59%

BCTK vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCTK has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCTK vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

BCTK has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BCTK Baron Technology ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.17%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCTK and SMH in my portfolio?

BCTK and SMH have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BCTK or SMH?

On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCTK or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for BCTK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCTK or SMH?

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.00% for BCTK.

What is the main difference between BCTK and SMH?

BCTK is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: Baron Capital and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for BCTK and 0.35% for SMH.