IGM vs. SMH

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGM returned 24.22%/yr vs 36.27%/yr for SMH. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IGM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

IGM vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) 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, IGM achieves a 24.02% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 66.69% return. Over the past 10 years, IGM has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 24.22%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 36.27% annualized return.

IGM

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: 0.48%
• 6M: 21.44%
• YTD: 24.02%
• 1Y: 42.19%
• 3Y*: 33.84%
• 5Y*: 19.00%
• 10Y*: 24.22%

SMH

• 1D: 2.51%
• 1M: -3.17%
• 6M: 53.32%
• YTD: 66.69%
• 1Y: 111.05%
• 3Y*: 57.11%
• 5Y*: 37.46%
• 10Y*: 36.27%

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

IGM vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	24.02%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	41.81%	2.26%	37.20%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	66.69%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between IGM and SMH is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 2001	0.86

The correlation between IGM and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGM vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGM	SMH
Technology	84.7%	100.0%
Communication Services	14.5%	-
Industrials	0.3%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Energy	0.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGM vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 64
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 90
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

IGM vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) 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.

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.

	IGM	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	3.04	-1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	3.27	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.45	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	7.48	-4.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.17	24.06	-15.89

IGM vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGM Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGM 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.

Drawdowns

IGM vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGM drawdown since its inception was -65.59%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGM and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGM	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.59%	-84.96%	+19.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-14.93%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-35.74%	+9.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-45.30%	+4.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.68%	-45.30%	+4.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.35%	-10.26%	+3.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.19%	-40.94%	+25.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.18%	4.63%	+0.55%

Volatility

IGM vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) is 9.38%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 17.39%. This indicates that IGM 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

	IGM	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.38%	17.39%	-8.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.56%	31.28%	-11.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.43%	36.75%	-13.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.21%	36.20%	-9.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.76%	33.15%	-8.39%

IGM vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGM vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.14%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%
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 IGM and SMH in my portfolio?

IGM and SMH have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGM or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.39%) compared to IGM (9.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGM dropped -65.59% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, IGM or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 36.27% vs 24.22% for IGM. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, IGM has been the lower-risk option at 9.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGM or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 36.27% return vs 24.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGM or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IGM.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.14% for IGM.

What is the main difference between IGM and SMH?

IGM is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. IGM tracks S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGM and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 1.81), 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.