CRPT vs. SMH

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

CRPT (First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CRPT is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. CRPT is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CRPT returned 14.07%/yr vs 52.12%/yr for SMH. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CRPT charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

CRPT vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF (CRPT) 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, CRPT achieves a -23.76% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 54.54% return.

CRPT

• 1D: -2.03%
• 1M: -16.17%
• 6M: -37.26%
• YTD: -23.76%
• 1Y: -54.33%
• 3Y*: 14.07%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -2.18%
• 1M: -10.81%
• 6M: 39.00%
• YTD: 54.54%
• 1Y: 91.38%
• 3Y*: 52.12%
• 5Y*: 35.97%
• 10Y*: 34.90%

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

CRPT vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CRPT First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF	-23.76%	-9.54%	75.29%	193.86%	-80.84%	-9.59%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	54.54%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	17.41%

Correlation

The correlation between CRPT and SMH is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2021	0.54

The correlation between CRPT and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.44 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

CRPT vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CRPT	SMH
Financial Services	62.0%	-
Technology	26.7%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	-
Communication Services	4.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CRPT vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

CRPT

CRPT Risk / Return Rank: 2
CRPT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
CRPT Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
CRPT Omega Ratio Rank: 2
CRPT Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
CRPT Martin Ratio Rank: 1

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 88
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

CRPT vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF (CRPT) 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.

	CRPT	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.93	2.48	-3.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.44	2.84	-4.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	1.39	-0.55
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.97	5.47	-6.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.51	18.72	-20.23

CRPT vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CRPT Sharpe Ratio is -0.93, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CRPT 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

CRPT vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CRPT drawdown since its inception was -88.34%, roughly equal to the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CRPT and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	CRPT	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.34%	-84.96%	-3.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-55.99%	-16.80%	-39.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.46%	-35.74%	-20.72%
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	-55.76%	-16.80%	-38.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.58%	-40.93%	-11.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	36.50%	4.90%	+31.60%

Volatility

CRPT vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF (CRPT) is 14.96%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 16.50%. This indicates that CRPT 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

	CRPT	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.96%	16.50%	-1.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.77%	31.68%	+15.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.69%	37.04%	+21.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.44%	36.21%	+36.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.44%	33.16%	+39.28%

CRPT vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

CRPT has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

CRPT vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

CRPT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, more than SMH's 0.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CRPT First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF	0.99%	0.75%	1.84%	0.00%	0.03%	1.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.20%	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 CRPT and SMH in my portfolio?

CRPT and SMH have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CRPT or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (16.50%) compared to CRPT (14.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CRPT dropped -88.34% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, CRPT or SMH?

On 3-year performance, SMH leads with 52.12% vs 14.07% for CRPT. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CRPT has been the lower-risk option at 14.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CRPT or SMH?

Over the 3-year period, SMH has performed better with a 52.12% return vs 14.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CRPT or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for CRPT.

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

CRPT has the higher dividend yield at 0.99%, compared with 0.20% for SMH.

What is the main difference between CRPT and SMH?

CRPT is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for CRPT and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs -0.93), 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.