IVRS vs. SMH

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

IVRS (iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVRS is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global Metaverse & Virtual Interaction Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IVRS returned 6.53%/yr vs 57.11%/yr for SMH. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVRS charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

IVRS vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) 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, IVRS achieves a -6.53% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 66.69% return.

IVRS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 2.26%
• 6M: -11.70%
• YTD: -6.53%
• 1Y: -8.77%
• 3Y*: 6.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

IVRS vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IVRS iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF	-6.53%	12.75%	7.40%	28.15%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	66.69%	49.17%	39.10%	39.07%

Correlation

The correlation between IVRS and SMH is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2023	0.69

The correlation between IVRS and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IVRS vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVRS	SMH
Technology	66.0%	100.0%
Financial Services	17.6%	-
Communication Services	12.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IVRS vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVRS

IVRS Risk / Return Rank: 6
IVRS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
IVRS Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
IVRS Omega Ratio Rank: 6
IVRS Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
IVRS Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

IVRS vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) 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.

	IVRS	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.38	3.04	-3.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.38	3.27	-3.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.45	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.28	7.48	-7.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.55	24.06	-24.61

IVRS vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVRS Sharpe Ratio is -0.38, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVRS 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

IVRS vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVRS drawdown since its inception was -31.43%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVRS and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVRS	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.43%	-84.96%	+53.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.43%	-14.93%	-16.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.43%	-35.74%	+4.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.30%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.59%	-10.26%	-9.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.27%	-40.94%	+34.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.05%	4.63%	+11.42%

Volatility

IVRS vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) is 6.49%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 17.39%. This indicates that IVRS 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

	IVRS	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.49%	17.39%	-10.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.98%	31.28%	-11.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.11%	36.75%	-13.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.72%	36.20%	-15.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.72%	33.15%	-12.43%

IVRS vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVRS has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVRS vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

IVRS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.57%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVRS iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF	8.57%	7.88%	6.65%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 IVRS and SMH in my portfolio?

IVRS and SMH have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVRS or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.39%) compared to IVRS (6.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVRS dropped -31.43% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, IVRS or SMH?

On 3-year performance, SMH leads with 57.11% vs 6.53% for IVRS. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, IVRS has been the lower-risk option at 6.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVRS or SMH?

Over the 3-year period, SMH has performed better with a 57.11% return vs 6.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVRS or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IVRS.

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

IVRS has the higher dividend yield at 8.57%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between IVRS and SMH?

IVRS is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. IVRS tracks Morningstar Global Metaverse & Virtual Interaction Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IVRS and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs -0.38), 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.