IQLT vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

IQLT (iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQLT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net), while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IQLT returned 9.67%/yr vs 38.22%/yr for SMH. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IQLT charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

IQLT vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) 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, IQLT achieves a 10.18% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 83.23% return. Over the past 10 years, IQLT has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 9.67%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 38.22% annualized return.

IQLT

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 1.44%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 10.87%
• 1Y: 20.80%
• 3Y*: 13.90%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: 9.67%

SMH

• 1D: 5.76%
• 1M: 14.50%
• YTD: 83.23%
• 6M: 85.82%
• 1Y: 154.33%
• 3Y*: 63.38%
• 5Y*: 40.67%
• 10Y*: 38.22%

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

IQLT vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	10.18%	25.42%	1.54%	18.73%	-15.22%	12.94%	12.48%	28.18%	-10.76%	24.04%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	83.23%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between IQLT and SMH is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2015	0.59

The correlation between IQLT and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQLT vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQLT	SMH
Financial Services	25.0%	-
Industrials	17.7%	-
Technology	13.0%	100.0%
Healthcare	8.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	-
Basic Materials	7.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Energy	4.9%	-
Utilities	3.5%	-
Communication Services	3.1%	-
Real Estate	1.5%	-

Return for Risk

IQLT vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQLT

IQLT Risk / Return Rank: 40
IQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
IQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
IQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 36
IQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
IQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 46

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

IQLT vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) 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.

	IQLT	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	4.49	-3.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	4.50	-2.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.64	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	10.25	-8.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.29	37.49	-30.20

IQLT vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQLT 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

IQLT vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQLT drawdown since its inception was -32.21%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQLT and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQLT	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.21%	-84.96%	+52.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.38%	-14.93%	+4.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.18%	-35.74%	+22.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.24%	-45.30%	+15.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.21%	-45.30%	+13.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	0.00%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.20%	-41.02%	+34.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	4.07%	-1.35%

Volatility

IQLT vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is 5.02%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 17.53%. This indicates that IQLT 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

	IQLT	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.02%	17.53%	-12.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.68%	28.48%	-15.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.90%	34.09%	-19.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.54%	35.67%	-19.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.97%	32.94%	-15.97%

IQLT vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQLT has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQLT vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

IQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.42%, more than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	2.42%	2.33%	2.87%	2.27%	3.14%	2.24%	1.61%	2.28%	2.72%	2.36%	2.91%	2.78%
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 IQLT and SMH in my portfolio?

IQLT and SMH have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQLT or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.53%) compared to IQLT (5.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQLT dropped -32.21% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, IQLT or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 38.22% vs 9.67% for IQLT. On fees, IQLT is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, IQLT has been the lower-risk option at 5.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQLT or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 38.22% return vs 9.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQLT or SMH?

IQLT is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

IQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.42%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between IQLT and SMH?

IQLT is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. IQLT tracks MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net), while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IQLT and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.49 vs 1.33), 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.