BTCI vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BTCI (NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BTCI is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Neos, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. BTCI is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. Over the past year, BTCI returned -35.48% vs 136.32% for SMH. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BTCI charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

BTCI vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) 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, BTCI achieves a -24.54% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 72.15% return.

BTCI

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -18.18%
• YTD: -24.54%
• 6M: -26.48%
• 1Y: -35.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: 8.30%
• YTD: 72.15%
• 6M: 75.62%
• 1Y: 136.32%
• 3Y*: 60.05%
• 5Y*: 38.42%
• 10Y*: 37.49%

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

BTCI vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTCI NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF	-24.54%	-1.09%	26.12%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.15%	49.17%	-1.65%

Correlation

The correlation between BTCI and SMH is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2024	0.41

Return for Risk

BTCI vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTCI

BTCI Risk / Return Rank: 3
BTCI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BTCI Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BTCI Omega Ratio Rank: 3
BTCI Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BTCI Martin Ratio Rank: 3

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
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.

BTCI vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BTCI	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.90	4.13	-5.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.22	4.26	-5.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.60	-0.74
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.75	9.18	-9.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.36	33.74	-35.10

BTCI vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTCI Sharpe Ratio is -0.90, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTCI and SMH, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BTCI vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTCI drawdown since its inception was -47.16%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTCI and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTCI	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.16%	-84.96%	+37.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.16%	-14.93%	-32.23%
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	-44.20%	-2.81%	-41.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.65%	-41.04%	+25.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	26.15%	4.06%	+22.09%

Volatility

BTCI vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) is 11.27%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 16.25%. This indicates that BTCI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTCI	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.27%	16.25%	-4.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.13%	27.73%	+3.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.43%	33.20%	+6.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.27%	35.47%	+4.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.27%	32.82%	+7.45%

BTCI vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTCI has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTCI vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

BTCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 44.19%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTCI NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF	44.19%	36.46%	6.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.18%	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 BTCI and SMH in my portfolio?

BTCI and SMH have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTCI or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (16.25%) compared to BTCI (11.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTCI dropped -47.16% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, BTCI or SMH?

On 1-year performance, SMH leads with 136.32% vs -35.48% for BTCI. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, BTCI has been the lower-risk option at 11.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTCI or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, SMH has performed better with a 136.32% return vs -35.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTCI or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for BTCI.

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

BTCI has the higher dividend yield at 44.19%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between BTCI and SMH?

BTCI is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SMH is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: Neos and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for BTCI and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.13 vs -0.90), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.