EWU vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

EWU (iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWU is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI United Kingdom Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWU returned 8.18%/yr vs 36.92%/yr for SMH. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWU charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

EWU vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) 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, EWU achieves a 5.57% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 66.10% return. Over the past 10 years, EWU has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 8.18%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 36.92% annualized return.

EWU

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -0.58%
• YTD: 5.57%
• 6M: 9.86%
• 1Y: 19.69%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 10.75%
• 10Y*: 8.18%

SMH

• 1D: 5.00%
• 1M: 5.58%
• YTD: 66.10%
• 6M: 62.81%
• 1Y: 137.42%
• 3Y*: 60.43%
• 5Y*: 37.89%
• 10Y*: 36.92%

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

EWU vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	5.57%	34.95%	6.74%	12.40%	-4.39%	18.19%	-11.80%	21.29%	-14.30%	21.54%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	66.10%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between EWU and SMH 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2000	0.51

The correlation between EWU and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (3 years) to 0.51 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWU vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWU	SMH
Financial Services	26.6%	-
Healthcare	13.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	13.9%	-
Industrials	12.7%	-
Energy	11.1%	-
Basic Materials	9.1%	-
Utilities	4.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	-
Communication Services	2.2%	-
Technology	0.6%	100.0%
Real Estate	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

EWU vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWU

EWU Risk / Return Rank: 43
EWU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
EWU Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
EWU Omega Ratio Rank: 41
EWU Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
EWU Martin Ratio Rank: 46

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
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.

EWU vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) 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.

	EWU	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	4.27	-2.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	4.33	-2.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.62	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	9.26	-7.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.12	34.80	-27.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWU vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWU Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWU 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

	EWU	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	4.27	-2.90
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	1.08	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	1.13	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.33	-0.07

Drawdowns

EWU vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWU drawdown since its inception was -63.99%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWU and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWU	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.99%	-84.96%	+20.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.92%	-14.93%	+5.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.63%	-35.74%	+23.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.91%	-45.30%	+20.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.33%	-45.30%	+1.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.62%	-6.23%	+1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.16%	-41.07%	+26.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	3.96%	-1.19%

Volatility

EWU vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is 4.68%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 15.45%. This indicates that EWU 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

	EWU	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.68%	15.45%	-10.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.35%	26.71%	-14.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.47%	32.42%	-17.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.44%	35.32%	-18.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.85%	32.75%	-13.90%

EWU vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWU has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWU vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

EWU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.53%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	3.53%	3.73%	4.16%	4.14%	3.43%	4.35%	2.48%	4.13%	4.98%	3.91%	3.97%	4.11%
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 EWU and SMH in my portfolio?

EWU and SMH 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, EWU or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (15.45%) compared to EWU (4.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWU dropped -63.99% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, EWU or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 36.92% vs 8.18% for EWU. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, EWU has been the lower-risk option at 4.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWU or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 36.92% return vs 8.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWU or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EWU.

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

EWU has the higher dividend yield at 3.53%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between EWU and SMH?

EWU is categorized as Europe Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. EWU tracks MSCI United Kingdom Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EWU and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.27 vs 1.37), 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.