CHAT vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

CHAT (Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CHAT is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Roundhill, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. CHAT is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CHAT returned 53.04%/yr vs 63.82%/yr for SMH. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CHAT charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

CHAT vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) 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, CHAT achieves a 65.84% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 76.85% return.

CHAT

• 1D: 2.11%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 65.84%
• 6M: 64.65%
• 1Y: 110.84%
• 3Y*: 53.04%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 2.90%
• 1M: 5.77%
• YTD: 76.85%
• 6M: 74.89%
• 1Y: 132.14%
• 3Y*: 63.82%
• 5Y*: 38.94%
• 10Y*: 38.61%

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

CHAT vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CHAT Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF	65.84%	49.85%	30.98%	21.04%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	76.85%	49.17%	39.10%	35.85%

Correlation

The correlation between CHAT 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2023	0.86

The correlation between CHAT and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

CHAT vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CHAT	SMH
Technology	77.8%	100.0%
Communication Services	16.1%	-
Industrials	3.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CHAT vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

CHAT

CHAT Risk / Return Rank: 92
CHAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
CHAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
CHAT Omega Ratio Rank: 89
CHAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
CHAT Martin Ratio Rank: 91

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 95
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 93
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.

CHAT vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) 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.

	CHAT	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.20	3.82	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	3.94	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.56	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.85	8.90	-2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.87	32.08	-13.21

CHAT vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CHAT Sharpe Ratio is 3.20, which is comparable to the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CHAT 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

CHAT vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CHAT drawdown since its inception was -31.34%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CHAT and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	CHAT	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.34%	-84.96%	+53.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.28%	-14.93%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.34%	-35.74%	+4.40%
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	-6.04%	-4.79%	-1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.39%	-41.00%	+35.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.89%	4.13%	+1.76%

Volatility

CHAT vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) have volatilities of 18.80% and 18.79%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CHAT	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.80%	18.79%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.53%	29.21%	+0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.79%	34.82%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.21%	35.84%	-4.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.21%	32.97%	-1.76%

CHAT vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

CHAT vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

CHAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.72%, more than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CHAT Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF	1.72%	2.85%	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 CHAT and SMH in my portfolio?

CHAT 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 is riskier, CHAT or SMH?

CHAT has higher volatility (18.80%) compared to SMH (18.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CHAT dropped -31.34% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, CHAT or SMH?

On 3-year performance, SMH leads with 63.82% vs 53.04% for CHAT. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CHAT or SMH?

Over the 3-year period, SMH has performed better with a 63.82% return vs 53.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CHAT or SMH?

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

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

CHAT has the higher dividend yield at 1.72%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between CHAT and SMH?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.82 vs 3.20), 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.