MCHFX vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MCHFX (Matthews China Fund) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both funds - MCHFX is a China Equities fund managed by Matthews, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Over the past 10 years, MCHFX returned 7.76%/yr vs 38.85%/yr for SMH. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MCHFX charges 1.12%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

MCHFX vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews China Fund (MCHFX) 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, MCHFX achieves a 3.08% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 85.74% return. Over the past 10 years, MCHFX has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 7.76%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 38.85% annualized return.

MCHFX

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 3.44%
• YTD: 3.08%
• 6M: 2.07%
• 1Y: 24.38%
• 3Y*: 10.45%
• 5Y*: -5.56%
• 10Y*: 7.76%

SMH

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 16.07%
• YTD: 85.74%
• 6M: 85.96%
• 1Y: 157.81%
• 3Y*: 66.26%
• 5Y*: 40.65%
• 10Y*: 38.85%

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

MCHFX vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MCHFX Matthews China Fund	3.08%	29.82%	17.84%	-19.21%	-24.38%	-19.41%	43.07%	34.57%	-21.17%	59.08%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	85.74%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between MCHFX and SMH is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2000	0.43

The correlation between MCHFX and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (3 years) to 0.50 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MCHFX vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCHFX

MCHFX Risk / Return Rank: 19
MCHFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
MCHFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
MCHFX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
MCHFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
MCHFX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

MCHFX vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews China Fund (MCHFX) 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.

	MCHFX	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	4.66	-3.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	4.60	-2.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.66	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	10.63	-9.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.03	38.91	-34.88

MCHFX vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCHFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCHFX 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

MCHFX vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCHFX drawdown since its inception was -67.02%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCHFX and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCHFX	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.02%	-84.96%	+17.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.58%	-14.93%	-0.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.77%	-35.74%	+7.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.96%	-45.30%	-14.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.75%	-45.30%	-19.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.43%	0.00%	-36.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.13%	-41.01%	+18.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.90%	4.07%	+1.83%

Volatility

MCHFX vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews China Fund (MCHFX) is 7.51%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 17.29%. This indicates that MCHFX 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

	MCHFX	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.51%	17.29%	-9.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.93%	28.18%	-12.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.52%	34.14%	-13.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.02%	35.68%	-5.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.67%	32.95%	-6.28%

MCHFX vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCHFX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCHFX vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

MCHFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, more than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MCHFX Matthews China Fund	1.31%	1.36%	1.91%	0.78%	7.53%	6.54%	1.25%	1.12%	22.28%	10.31%	13.66%	19.24%
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 MCHFX and SMH in my portfolio?

MCHFX and SMH have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MCHFX or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.29%) compared to MCHFX (7.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCHFX dropped -67.02% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.66 vs 1.18), 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.