FINX vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FINX (Global X FinTech ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FINX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global FinTech Thematic Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FINX returned -10.20%/yr vs 39.21%/yr for SMH. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FINX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

FINX vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) 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, FINX achieves a -16.28% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 77.13% return.

FINX

• 1D: -4.72%
• 1M: -5.30%
• YTD: -16.28%
• 6M: -18.85%
• 1Y: -20.58%
• 3Y*: 5.77%
• 5Y*: -10.20%
• 10Y*: —

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)

FINX vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FINX Global X FinTech ETF	-16.28%	-5.20%	23.02%	33.15%	-51.80%	-9.65%	53.76%	37.52%	0.82%	49.96%
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 FINX and SMH is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2016	0.64

Over the past year, the correlation between FINX and SMH has dropped to 0.43 - well below their long-term average of 0.64, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FINX vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FINX	SMH
Technology	56.4%	100.0%
Financial Services	38.6%	-
Industrials	3.7%	-
Healthcare	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FINX vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

FINX

FINX Risk / Return Rank: 3
FINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
FINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
FINX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
FINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
FINX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

FINX vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) 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.

	FINX	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.70	5.19	-5.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.83	5.22	-6.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.72	-0.82
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.56	10.59	-11.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.09	40.63	-41.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FINX vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FINX Sharpe Ratio is -0.70, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 5.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FINX 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

	FINX	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.70	5.19	-5.89
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.33	1.13	-1.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.16	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	0.34	-0.13

Drawdowns

FINX vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FINX drawdown since its inception was -63.53%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FINX and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	FINX	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.53%	-84.96%	+21.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.58%	-14.93%	-21.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.58%	-35.74%	-0.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.53%	-45.30%	-18.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.93%	0.00%	-49.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.45%	-41.09%	+16.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.98%	3.89%	+15.09%

Volatility

FINX vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) is 8.15%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 11.47%. This indicates that FINX 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

	FINX	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.15%	11.47%	-3.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.78%	24.29%	-1.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.36%	30.56%	-1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.40%	35.01%	-3.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.73%	32.57%	-3.84%

FINX vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

FINX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FINX vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

FINX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%, more than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FINX Global X FinTech ETF	0.69%	0.58%	0.72%	0.21%	0.27%	5.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%
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 FINX and SMH in my portfolio?

FINX and SMH have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FINX or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (11.47%) compared to FINX (8.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FINX dropped -63.53% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, FINX or SMH?

On 5-year performance, SMH leads with 39.21% vs -10.20% for FINX. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FINX has been the lower-risk option at 8.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FINX or SMH?

Over the 5-year period, SMH has performed better with a 39.21% return vs -10.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FINX or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for FINX.

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

FINX has the higher dividend yield at 0.69%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between FINX and SMH?

FINX is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. FINX tracks Indxx Global FinTech Thematic Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for FINX and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.19 vs -0.70), 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.