IWL vs. SMH

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

IWL (iShares Russell Top 200 ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell Top 200 Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWL returned 15.75%/yr vs 34.79%/yr for SMH. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWL charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

IWL vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) 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, IWL achieves a 8.01% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 55.17% return. Over the past 10 years, IWL has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 15.75%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 34.79% annualized return.

IWL

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.81%
• 6M: 7.12%
• YTD: 8.01%
• 1Y: 19.12%
• 3Y*: 20.41%
• 5Y*: 13.26%
• 10Y*: 15.75%
• ALL TIME*: 14.61%

SMH

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: -15.31%
• 6M: 39.57%
• YTD: 55.17%
• 1Y: 93.09%
• 3Y*: 54.43%
• 5Y*: 34.99%
• 10Y*: 34.79%
• ALL TIME*: 11.21%

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

IWL vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWL iShares Russell Top 200 ETF	8.01%	19.09%	27.12%	29.77%	-19.89%	27.79%	22.10%	31.42%	-3.30%	22.90%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	55.17%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between IWL and SMH is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2009	0.73

The correlation between IWL and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWL vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWL	SMH
Technology	41.0%	100.0%
Financial Services	11.9%	-
Communication Services	11.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	-
Healthcare	8.6%	-
Industrials	7.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	-
Energy	2.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.3%	-
Utilities	1.2%	-
Real Estate	0.9%	-

Return for Risk

IWL vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWL

IWL Risk / Return Rank: 57
IWL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWL Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
IWL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
IWL Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
IWL Martin Ratio Rank: 62

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 90
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 86
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

IWL vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) 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.

	IWL	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	2.53	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	2.87	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.39	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	5.57	-3.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.05	18.66	-10.61

IWL vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWL Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWL 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

IWL vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWL drawdown since its inception was -32.71%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWL and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWL	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.71%	-84.96%	+52.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.83%	-16.80%	+6.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.15%	-35.74%	+16.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.65%	-45.30%	+19.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.71%	-45.30%	+12.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.65%	-16.46%	+13.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.87%	-40.92%	+37.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.38%	5.01%	-2.63%

Volatility

IWL vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) is 3.54%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 16.43%. This indicates that IWL 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

	IWL	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	16.43%	-12.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.36%	31.63%	-21.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.04%	37.10%	-24.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.28%	36.22%	-18.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	33.16%	-15.06%

IWL vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWL vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

IWL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, more than SMH's 0.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWL iShares Russell Top 200 ETF	0.86%	0.90%	1.04%	1.30%	1.54%	1.12%	1.30%	1.96%	1.93%	1.69%	1.96%	2.14%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.20%	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 IWL and SMH in my portfolio?

IWL and SMH have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWL or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (16.43%) compared to IWL (3.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWL dropped -32.71% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, IWL or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 34.79% vs 15.75% for IWL. On fees, IWL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IWL has been the lower-risk option at 3.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWL or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 34.79% return vs 15.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWL or SMH?

IWL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

IWL has the higher dividend yield at 0.86%, compared with 0.20% for SMH.

What is the main difference between IWL and SMH?

IWL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. IWL tracks Russell Top 200 Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IWL and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.48), 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.