FSELX vs. SMHX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FSELX (Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio) and SMHX (VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds. Over the past year, FSELX returned 101.84% vs 75.18% for SMHX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FSELX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMHX.

Performance

FSELX vs. SMHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX) 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, FSELX achieves a 62.20% return, which is significantly higher than SMHX's 48.21% return.

FSELX

• 1D: -1.69%
• 1M: -7.86%
• 6M: 50.12%
• YTD: 62.20%
• 1Y: 101.84%
• 3Y*: 56.28%
• 5Y*: 42.87%
• 10Y*: 36.92%

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)

FSELX vs. SMHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FSELX Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio	62.20%	52.17%	7.48%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	48.21%	30.00%	15.56%

Correlation

The correlation between FSELX and SMHX is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.95

The correlation between FSELX and SMHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSELX vs. SMHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSELX

FSELX Risk / Return Rank: 89
FSELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FSELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FSELX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FSELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FSELX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

FSELX vs. SMHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX) 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.

	FSELX	SMHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	1.96	+0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.40	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.31	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.53	4.43	+2.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.74	10.82	+9.92

FSELX vs. SMHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSELX Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is higher than the SMHX Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSELX 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

FSELX vs. SMHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSELX drawdown since its inception was -82.54%, which is greater than SMHX's maximum drawdown of -38.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSELX and SMHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSELX	SMHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.54%	-38.53%	-44.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.52%	-17.06%	+1.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.37%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.24%	-16.94%	+2.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.64%	-7.47%	-21.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.88%	6.97%	-2.09%

Volatility

FSELX vs. SMHX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio (FSELX) has a higher volatility of 18.43% compared to VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) at 15.79%. This indicates that FSELX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSELX	SMHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.43%	15.79%	+2.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.45%	32.14%	+0.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.92%	38.47%	+0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.11%	41.83%	-1.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.64%	41.83%	-6.19%

FSELX vs. SMHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSELX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than SMHX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSELX vs. SMHX - Dividend Comparison

FSELX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.10%, more than SMHX's 0.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSELX Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio	10.10%	11.11%	7.97%	7.20%	6.69%	6.99%	8.13%	3.36%	26.80%	14.44%	3.82%	15.22%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSELX and SMHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FSELX and SMHX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FSELX or SMHX?

FSELX has higher volatility (18.43%) compared to SMHX (15.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSELX dropped -82.54% vs SMHX's -38.53%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 1.96), 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.