MOON vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MOON (Direxion Moonshot Innovators ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MOON is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Moonshots Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MOON charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

MOON vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Moonshot Innovators ETF (MOON) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MOON

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

SMH

• 1D: 4.01%
• 1M: 24.01%
• YTD: 75.55%
• 6M: 76.44%
• 1Y: 160.66%
• 3Y*: 63.68%
• 5Y*: 39.58%
• 10Y*: 37.55%

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

MOON vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MOON Direxion Moonshot Innovators ETF	0.00%	0.00%	-8.56%	9.85%	-61.07%	-13.78%	24.70%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	75.55%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	13.75%

Correlation

The correlation between MOON and SMH is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2020	0.45

The correlation between MOON and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.22 (3 years) to 0.45 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MOON vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MOON	SMH
Technology	42.4%	100.0%
Healthcare	23.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	-
Communication Services	9.3%	-
Industrials	7.5%	-
Financial Services	4.2%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MOON 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: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 95
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.

MOON vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Moonshot Innovators ETF (MOON) 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

	MOON	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	5.29	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.14	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.16	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.34	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	MOON	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	—	0.00%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-41.09%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MOON	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.59%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.29%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	30.57%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	35.02%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	32.58%	—

MOON vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOON has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOON vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

MOON has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MOON Direxion Moonshot Innovators ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.62%	1.41%	0.00%	1.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 MOON and SMH in my portfolio?

MOON and SMH have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MOON 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, MOON or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for MOON.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.00% for MOON.

What is the main difference between MOON and SMH?

MOON is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. MOON tracks S&P Kensho Moonshots Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for MOON and 0.35% for SMH.