IWFH vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

IWFH (iShares Virtual Work and Life Multisector ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWFH is a Technology Equities fund tracking the NYSE FactSet Global Virtual Work and Life Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWFH charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

IWFH vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Virtual Work and Life Multisector ETF (IWFH) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

IWFH

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -9.22%
• 1M: 3.63%
• YTD: 58.19%
• 6M: 56.81%
• 1Y: 127.40%
• 3Y*: 58.39%
• 5Y*: 36.10%
• 10Y*: 36.02%

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

IWFH vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IWFH iShares Virtual Work and Life Multisector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	-7.41%	17.42%	-39.32%	-25.56%	15.64%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	58.19%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	23.22%

Correlation

The correlation between IWFH and SMH is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2020	0.53

The correlation between IWFH and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.31 (3 years) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IWFH vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWFH	SMH
Technology	43.2%	100.0%
Communication Services	31.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	-
Healthcare	9.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IWFH vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 94
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
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.

IWFH vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Virtual Work and Life Multisector ETF (IWFH) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IWFH	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.00	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.32	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	IWFH	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-84.96%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.93%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.74%	—
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	—	-10.69%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-41.08%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.94%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IWFH	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	14.88%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	26.35%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	32.03%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	35.24%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	32.70%	—

IWFH vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IWFH vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

IWFH has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.19%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWFH iShares Virtual Work and Life Multisector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.05%	1.83%	0.31%	0.00%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.19%	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 IWFH and SMH in my portfolio?

IWFH and SMH have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IWFH or SMH?

On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWFH or SMH?

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

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.19%, compared with 0.00% for IWFH.

What is the main difference between IWFH and SMH?

IWFH is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. IWFH tracks NYSE FactSet Global Virtual Work and Life Index, 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 IWFH and 0.35% for SMH.