HODL vs. SMHX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) and SMHX (VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HODL is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant, while SMHX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, HODL returned -46.21% vs 75.18% for SMHX. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HODL charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMHX.

Performance

HODL vs. SMHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) 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, HODL achieves a -26.57% return, which is significantly lower than SMHX's 48.21% return.

HODL

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -2.16%
• 6M: -32.59%
• YTD: -26.57%
• 1Y: -46.21%
• 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)

HODL vs. SMHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-26.57%	-6.42%	50.37%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	48.21%	30.00%	15.56%

Correlation

The correlation between HODL and SMHX is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.39

Return for Risk

HODL vs. SMHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HODL

HODL Risk / Return Rank: 2
HODL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
HODL Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
HODL Omega Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

HODL vs. SMHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) 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.

	HODL	SMHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.05	1.96	-3.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.59	2.40	-3.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.31	-0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.87	4.43	-5.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.40	10.82	-12.22

HODL vs. SMHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HODL Sharpe Ratio is -1.05, which is lower than the SMHX Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HODL 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

HODL vs. SMHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HODL drawdown since its inception was -53.20%, which is greater than SMHX's maximum drawdown of -38.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HODL and SMHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HODL	SMHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.20%	-38.53%	-14.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-53.20%	-17.06%	-36.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.83%	-16.94%	-31.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.64%	-7.47%	-10.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	33.04%	6.97%	+26.07%

Volatility

HODL vs. SMHX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) is 10.76%, while VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) has a volatility of 15.79%. This indicates that HODL 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

	HODL	SMHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.76%	15.79%	-5.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.75%	32.14%	+2.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.22%	38.47%	+5.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.59%	41.83%	+7.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.59%	41.83%	+7.76%

HODL vs. SMHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HODL has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SMHX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

HODL vs. SMHX - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HODL and SMHX in my portfolio?

HODL and SMHX have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HODL or SMHX?

SMHX has higher volatility (15.79%) compared to HODL (10.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HODL dropped -53.20% vs SMHX's -38.53%.

Which ETF is better, HODL or SMHX?

On 1-year performance, SMHX leads with 75.18% vs -46.21% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HODL has been the lower-risk option at 10.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HODL or SMHX?

Over the 1-year period, SMHX has performed better with a 75.18% return vs -46.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HODL or SMHX?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMHX.

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

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

What is the main difference between HODL and SMHX?

HODL is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SMHX is Semiconductors. HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant, while SMHX tracks MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for HODL and 0.35% for SMHX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs -1.05), 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.