ETHV vs. SMHX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ETHV (VanEck Ethereum ETF) and SMHX (VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ETHV is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the MarketVector Ethereum Benchmark Rate, while SMHX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ETHV returned -44.82% vs 75.18% for SMHX. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ETHV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMHX.

Performance

ETHV vs. SMHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Ethereum ETF (ETHV) and VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETHV achieves a -36.95% return, which is significantly lower than SMHX's 48.21% return.

ETHV

• 1D: -2.42%
• 1M: 4.38%
• 6M: -43.07%
• YTD: -36.95%
• 1Y: -44.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMHX

• 1D: -4.39%
• 1M: -9.38%
• 6M: 43.30%
• YTD: 48.21%
• 1Y: 75.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ETHV vs. SMHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ETHV VanEck Ethereum ETF	-36.95%	-11.02%	29.09%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	48.21%	30.00%	15.56%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHV and SMHX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.47

Return for Risk

ETHV vs. SMHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETHV

ETHV Risk / Return Rank: 4
ETHV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ETHV Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ETHV Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ETHV Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
ETHV Martin Ratio Rank: 4

SMHX

SMHX Risk / Return Rank: 74
SMHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
SMHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SMHX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SMHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SMHX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. SMHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	ETHV	SMHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.67	1.96	-2.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.77	2.40	-3.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.31	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.66	4.43	-5.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.03	10.82	-11.85

ETHV vs. SMHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETHV Sharpe Ratio is -0.67, which is lower than the SMHX Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETHV and SMHX, 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

ETHV vs. SMHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHV drawdown since its inception was -67.88%, which is greater than SMHX's maximum drawdown of -38.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHV and SMHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHV	SMHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.88%	-38.53%	-29.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.88%	-17.06%	-50.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-61.35%	-16.94%	-44.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-7.47%	-27.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	43.55%	6.97%	+36.58%

Volatility

ETHV vs. SMHX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Ethereum ETF (ETHV) is 14.44%, while VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) has a volatility of 15.79%. This indicates that ETHV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETHV	SMHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.44%	15.79%	-1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.28%	32.14%	+15.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.36%	38.47%	+29.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	71.82%	41.83%	+29.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	71.82%	41.83%	+29.99%

ETHV vs. SMHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ETHV vs. SMHX - Dividend Comparison

ETHV has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ETHV VanEck Ethereum ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHV and SMHX in my portfolio?

ETHV and SMHX have a correlation of 0.44, 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 SMHX?

SMHX has higher volatility (15.79%) compared to ETHV (14.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETHV dropped -67.88% vs SMHX's -38.53%.

Which ETF is better, ETHV or SMHX?

On 1-year performance, SMHX leads with 75.18% vs -44.82% for ETHV. On fees, ETHV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ETHV has been the lower-risk option at 14.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETHV or SMHX?

Over the 1-year period, SMHX has performed better with a 75.18% return vs -44.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETHV or SMHX?

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

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

SMHX has the higher dividend yield at 0.02%, compared with 0.00% for ETHV.

What is the main difference between ETHV and SMHX?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs -0.67), 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.