DRGN vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DRGN (Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DRGN is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BITA China Generative AI Select Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DRGN charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

DRGN vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (DRGN) 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, DRGN achieves a 11.80% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 71.86% return.

DRGN

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: -2.41%
• YTD: 11.80%
• 6M: 13.27%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 7.39%
• YTD: 71.86%
• 6M: 69.95%
• 1Y: 128.64%
• 3Y*: 62.01%
• 5Y*: 38.15%
• 10Y*: 37.78%

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

DRGN vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DRGN Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	11.80%	26.96%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	71.86%	26.61%

Correlation

The correlation between DRGN and SMH is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

DRGN vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRGN

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

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.

DRGN vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (DRGN) 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.

	DRGN	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.73	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.87	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.55	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	8.67	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	31.31	—

Drawdowns

DRGN vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRGN drawdown since its inception was -20.86%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRGN and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRGN	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.86%	-84.96%	+64.10%
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	-10.84%	-7.47%	-3.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.07%	-41.00%	+32.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.12%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DRGN	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	19.07%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	29.12%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.15%	34.88%	+0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.15%	35.82%	-0.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.15%	32.96%	+2.19%

DRGN vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRGN has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRGN vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

DRGN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRGN Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	1.09%	1.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.18%	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 DRGN and SMH in my portfolio?

DRGN and SMH have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DRGN 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, DRGN or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DRGN.

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

DRGN has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between DRGN and SMH?

DRGN is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. DRGN tracks BITA China Generative AI Select Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DRGN and 0.35% for SMH.