CHPS vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CHPS (Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - CHPS tracks the Solactive Semiconductor ESG Screened Index while SMH tracks the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CHPS returned 199.74% vs 138.23% for SMH. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CHPS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

CHPS vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS) 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, CHPS achieves a 107.68% return, which is significantly higher than SMH's 72.73% return.

CHPS

• 1D: -8.79%
• 1M: 14.08%
• YTD: 107.68%
• 6M: 109.36%
• 1Y: 199.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -7.01%
• 1M: 7.93%
• YTD: 72.73%
• 6M: 71.29%
• 1Y: 138.23%
• 3Y*: 62.28%
• 5Y*: 38.18%
• 10Y*: 37.85%

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

CHPS vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CHPS Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF	107.68%	58.47%	7.75%	10.88%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.73%	49.17%	39.10%	13.87%

Correlation

The correlation between CHPS and SMH is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2023	0.94

The correlation between CHPS and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

CHPS vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CHPS	SMH
Technology	99.6%	100.0%
Energy	0.6%	-
Industrials	0.4%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CHPS vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

CHPS

CHPS Risk / Return Rank: 96
CHPS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
CHPS Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
CHPS Omega Ratio Rank: 94
CHPS Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
CHPS Martin Ratio Rank: 97

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 94
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
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.

CHPS vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS) 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.

	CHPS	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	5.05	3.99	+1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.70	4.05	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.66	1.58	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	11.49	9.31	+2.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	42.41	33.88	+8.53

CHPS vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CHPS Sharpe Ratio is 5.05, which is comparable to the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CHPS 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

CHPS vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CHPS drawdown since its inception was -39.44%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CHPS and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	CHPS	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.44%	-84.96%	+45.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.50%	-14.93%	-2.57%
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	-8.79%	-7.01%	-1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.08%	-41.01%	+31.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	4.10%	+0.63%

Volatility

CHPS vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS) has a higher volatility of 22.65% compared to VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) at 19.08%. This indicates that CHPS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CHPS	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.65%	19.08%	+3.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.27%	29.18%	+5.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.81%	34.87%	+4.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.53%	35.83%	-0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.53%	32.97%	+2.56%

CHPS vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

CHPS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

CHPS vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

CHPS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CHPS Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF	0.31%	0.68%	1.75%	0.36%	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 CHPS and SMH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, CHPS and SMH move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CHPS or SMH?

CHPS has higher volatility (22.65%) compared to SMH (19.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CHPS dropped -39.44% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, CHPS or SMH?

On 1-year performance, CHPS leads with 199.74% vs 138.23% for SMH. On fees, CHPS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SMH has been the lower-risk option at 19.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CHPS or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, CHPS has performed better with a 199.74% return vs 138.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CHPS or SMH?

CHPS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

CHPS has the higher dividend yield at 0.31%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between CHPS and SMH?

CHPS tracks Solactive Semiconductor ESG Screened Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for CHPS and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CHPS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.05 vs 3.99), 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.