QTOP vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QTOP (iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QTOP is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Top 30 Index, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QTOP returned 45.99% vs 190.05% for SOXX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QTOP charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

QTOP vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QTOP achieves a 22.71% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 104.57% return.

QTOP

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 10.74%
• YTD: 22.71%
• 6M: 21.95%
• 1Y: 45.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXX

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 33.25%
• YTD: 104.57%
• 6M: 99.43%
• 1Y: 190.05%
• 3Y*: 57.39%
• 5Y*: 34.50%
• 10Y*: 35.79%

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

QTOP vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QTOP iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF	22.71%	22.19%	5.80%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	104.57%	40.74%	-5.05%

Correlation

The correlation between QTOP and SOXX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2024	0.79

The correlation between QTOP and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

QTOP vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QTOP	SOXX
Technology	57.7%	100.0%
Communication Services	17.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	-
Healthcare	3.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.5%	-
Industrials	0.9%	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

QTOP vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTOP

QTOP Risk / Return Rank: 74
QTOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
QTOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
QTOP Omega Ratio Rank: 74
QTOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
QTOP Martin Ratio Rank: 70

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX 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.

QTOP vs. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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.

	QTOP	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.66	5.61	-2.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	5.36	-1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.74	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.59	12.13	-8.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.20	46.43	-33.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QTOP vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QTOP Sharpe Ratio is 2.66, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QTOP and SOXX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QTOP	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.66	5.61	-2.95
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.96	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.48	0.45	+1.04

Drawdowns

QTOP vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTOP drawdown since its inception was -23.28%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTOP and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTOP	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.28%	-70.21%	+46.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-15.77%	+2.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	0.00%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.82%	-19.97%	+16.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	4.11%	-0.62%

Volatility

QTOP vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) is 5.23%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 14.03%. This indicates that QTOP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QTOP	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.23%	14.03%	-8.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.43%	27.35%	-13.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.40%	34.18%	-16.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.70%	36.11%	-13.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.70%	33.43%	-10.73%

QTOP vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTOP has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTOP vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

QTOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%, more than SOXX's 0.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QTOP iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF	0.32%	0.38%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.27%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTOP and SOXX in my portfolio?

QTOP and SOXX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QTOP or SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (14.03%) compared to QTOP (5.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QTOP dropped -23.28% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, QTOP or SOXX?

On 1-year performance, SOXX leads with 190.05% vs 45.99% for QTOP. On fees, QTOP is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, QTOP has been the lower-risk option at 5.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QTOP or SOXX?

Over the 1-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 190.05% return vs 45.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTOP or SOXX?

QTOP is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for SOXX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QTOP or SOXX?

QTOP has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.27% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between QTOP and SOXX?

QTOP is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while SOXX is Semiconductors. QTOP tracks Nasdaq-100 Top 30 Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for QTOP and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.61 vs 2.66), 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.