NVDD vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NVDD (Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X Shares) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NVDD is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. NVDD is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. Over the past year, NVDD returned -31.84% vs 138.23% for SMH. At a correlation of -0.78, they often move in opposite directions. NVDD charges 1.01%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

NVDD vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X Shares (NVDD) 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, NVDD achieves a -10.62% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 72.73% return.

NVDD

• 1D: 3.37%
• 1M: 5.55%
• YTD: -10.62%
• 6M: -9.15%
• 1Y: -31.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -7.01%
• 1M: 7.93%
• YTD: 72.73%
• 6M: 71.29%
• 1Y: 138.23%
• 3Y*: 62.28%
• 5Y*: 38.18%
• 10Y*: 37.85%

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

NVDD vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NVDD Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X Shares	-10.62%	-38.72%	-69.77%	-8.97%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.73%	49.17%	39.10%	17.79%

Correlation

The correlation between NVDD and SMH is -0.65, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	-0.78

The correlation between NVDD and SMH shifts across timeframes, from -0.78 (all time) to -0.65 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NVDD vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

NVDD

NVDD Risk / Return Rank: 2
NVDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
NVDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
NVDD Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NVDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
NVDD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 94
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

NVDD vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X Shares (NVDD) 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.

	NVDD	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.90	3.99	-4.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.24	4.05	-5.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.58	-0.72
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.81	9.31	-10.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.44	33.88	-35.31

NVDD vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NVDD Sharpe Ratio is -0.90, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NVDD 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

NVDD vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NVDD drawdown since its inception was -88.34%, roughly equal to the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NVDD and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	NVDD	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.34%	-84.96%	-3.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.32%	-14.93%	-24.39%
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	-86.54%	-7.01%	-79.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-67.31%	-41.01%	-26.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	24.19%	4.10%	+20.09%

Volatility

NVDD vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X Shares (NVDD) is 13.05%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 19.08%. This indicates that NVDD 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

	NVDD	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.05%	19.08%	-6.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.79%	29.18%	-2.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.31%	34.87%	+0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	47.36%	35.83%	+11.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	47.36%	32.97%	+14.39%

NVDD vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

NVDD has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

NVDD vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

NVDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NVDD Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X Shares	4.01%	4.19%	4.83%	1.31%	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 NVDD and SMH in my portfolio?

NVDD and SMH have a correlation of -0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NVDD or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (19.08%) compared to NVDD (13.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NVDD dropped -88.34% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, NVDD or SMH?

On 1-year performance, SMH leads with 138.23% vs -31.84% for NVDD. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, NVDD has been the lower-risk option at 13.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NVDD or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, SMH has performed better with a 138.23% return vs -31.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NVDD or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for NVDD.

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

NVDD has the higher dividend yield at 4.01%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between NVDD and SMH?

NVDD is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.01% for NVDD and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.99 vs -0.90), 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.