ETHV vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ETHV (VanEck Ethereum ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ETHV is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the MarketVector Ethereum Benchmark Rate, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ETHV returned -32.55% vs 150.04% for SMH. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ETHV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

ETHV vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Ethereum ETF (ETHV) 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, ETHV achieves a -40.24% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 74.25% return.

ETHV

• 1D: -1.33%
• 1M: -25.17%
• YTD: -40.24%
• 6M: -43.60%
• 1Y: -32.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -1.63%
• 1M: 20.06%
• YTD: 74.25%
• 6M: 74.08%
• 1Y: 150.04%
• 3Y*: 63.96%
• 5Y*: 38.76%
• 10Y*: 37.49%

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

ETHV vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETHV VanEck Ethereum ETF	-40.24%	-11.02%	-3.67%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	74.25%	49.17%	-4.56%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHV 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2024	0.48

Return for Risk

ETHV vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETHV

ETHV Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETHV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHV Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
ETHV Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETHV Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETHV Martin Ratio Rank: 5

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
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.

ETHV vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Ethereum ETF (ETHV) 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.

	ETHV	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.48	4.94	-5.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.34	5.05	-5.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.69	-0.73
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.52	10.11	-10.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.86	38.76	-39.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ETHV vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETHV Sharpe Ratio is -0.48, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETHV 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

	ETHV	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.48	4.94	-5.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.15	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.42	0.34	-0.76

Drawdowns

ETHV vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHV drawdown since its inception was -64.02%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHV and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHV	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.02%	-84.96%	+20.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-63.36%	-14.93%	-48.43%
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	-63.36%	-1.63%	-61.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.71%	-41.08%	+8.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	37.95%	3.89%	+34.06%

Volatility

ETHV vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Ethereum ETF (ETHV) is 9.71%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 11.58%. This indicates that ETHV 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

	ETHV	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.71%	11.58%	-1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	45.31%	24.35%	+20.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.34%	30.57%	+37.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.23%	35.01%	+37.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.23%	32.57%	+39.66%

ETHV vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETHV has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETHV vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

ETHV has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ETHV VanEck Ethereum ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 ETHV and SMH in my portfolio?

ETHV 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, ETHV or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (11.58%) compared to ETHV (9.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETHV dropped -64.02% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, ETHV or SMH?

On 1-year performance, SMH leads with 150.04% vs -32.55% for ETHV. On fees, ETHV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ETHV has been the lower-risk option at 9.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETHV or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, SMH has performed better with a 150.04% return vs -32.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETHV or SMH?

ETHV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.00% for ETHV.

What is the main difference between ETHV and SMH?

ETHV is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SMH is Semiconductors. ETHV tracks MarketVector Ethereum Benchmark Rate, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for ETHV and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.94 vs -0.48), 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.