RAYS vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RAYS (Global X Solar ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RAYS is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Solactive Solar Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. RAYS charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

RAYS vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

RAYS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 25.87%
• YTD: 77.13%
• 6M: 75.61%
• 1Y: 157.20%
• 3Y*: 64.17%
• 5Y*: 39.21%
• 10Y*: 37.68%

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

RAYS vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	58.82%

RAYS vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYS	SMH
Technology	66.9%	100.0%
Industrials	21.4%	-
Utilities	6.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.9%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

RAYS 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: 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.

RAYS vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) 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

	RAYS	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	5.19	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.13	—
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

RAYS vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYS drawdown since its inception was 0.00%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYS and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYS	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-84.96%	+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%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-41.09%	+41.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAYS	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.47%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.29%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	30.56%	-30.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	35.01%	-35.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	32.57%	-32.57%

RAYS vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYS has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAYS vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

RAYS 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
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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

Which ETF is better, RAYS 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, RAYS or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for RAYS.

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

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

What is the main difference between RAYS and SMH?

RAYS is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. RAYS tracks Solactive Solar Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RAYS and 0.35% for SMH.