EELV vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EELV (Invesco S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EELV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the S&P BMI Emerging Markets Low Volatility Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EELV returned 6.56%/yr vs 37.68%/yr for SMH. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EELV charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

EELV vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility ETF (EELV) 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, EELV achieves a 3.97% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 77.13% return. Over the past 10 years, EELV has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 6.56%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 37.68% annualized return.

EELV

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 3.97%
• 6M: 5.13%
• 1Y: 14.46%
• 3Y*: 10.69%
• 5Y*: 6.82%
• 10Y*: 6.56%

SMH

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 25.87%
• YTD: 77.13%
• 6M: 75.61%
• 1Y: 157.20%
• 3Y*: 64.17%
• 5Y*: 39.21%
• 10Y*: 37.68%

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

EELV vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EELV Invesco S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility ETF	3.97%	21.97%	1.90%	8.85%	-3.98%	16.15%	-3.89%	8.89%	-5.40%	24.89%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	77.13%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between EELV and SMH is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 17, 2012	0.53

The correlation between EELV and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

EELV vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EELV	SMH
Financial Services	37.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	10.8%	-
Communication Services	9.6%	-
Utilities	9.6%	-
Industrials	8.9%	-
Energy	6.5%	-
Healthcare	5.4%	-
Basic Materials	5.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	-
Real Estate	2.6%	-
Technology	0.2%	100.0%

Return for Risk

EELV vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

EELV

EELV Risk / Return Rank: 36
EELV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
EELV Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
EELV Omega Ratio Rank: 36
EELV Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
EELV Martin Ratio Rank: 38

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 95
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.

EELV vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility ETF (EELV) 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.

	EELV	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	5.19	-3.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	5.22	-3.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.72	-0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.77	10.59	-8.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.99	40.63	-34.64
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EELV vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EELV Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 5.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EELV 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EELV	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.34	5.19	-3.85
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	1.13	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	1.16	-0.68
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	0.34	-0.04

Drawdowns

EELV vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EELV drawdown since its inception was -36.35%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EELV and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	EELV	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.35%	-84.96%	+48.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.22%	-14.93%	+6.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.79%	-35.74%	+23.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.04%	-45.30%	+26.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.35%	-45.30%	+8.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.71%	0.00%	-4.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.93%	-41.09%	+32.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	3.89%	-1.47%

Volatility

EELV vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility ETF (EELV) is 3.40%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 11.47%. This indicates that EELV 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

	EELV	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	11.47%	-8.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.03%	24.29%	-15.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.87%	30.56%	-19.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.36%	35.01%	-23.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.64%	32.57%	-18.93%

EELV vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

EELV has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

EELV vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

EELV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%, more than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EELV Invesco S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility ETF	3.60%	3.75%	4.70%	4.00%	3.45%	4.35%	2.82%	3.14%	5.50%	2.92%	2.29%	2.53%
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 EELV and SMH in my portfolio?

EELV and SMH have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EELV or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (11.47%) compared to EELV (3.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EELV dropped -36.35% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, EELV or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 37.68% vs 6.56% for EELV. On fees, EELV is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, EELV has been the lower-risk option at 3.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EELV or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 37.68% return vs 6.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EELV or SMH?

EELV is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

EELV has the higher dividend yield at 3.60%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between EELV and SMH?

EELV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while SMH is Semiconductors. EELV tracks S&P BMI Emerging Markets Low Volatility Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for EELV and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.19 vs 1.34), 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.