SEMI vs. QQQM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SEMI (Columbia Select Technology ETF) and QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SEMI is a Semiconductors fund actively managed by Columbia, while QQQM is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. SEMI is actively managed, while QQQM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SEMI returned 30.35%/yr vs 27.57%/yr for QQQM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEMI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QQQM.

Performance

SEMI vs. QQQM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEMI achieves a 32.93% return, which is significantly higher than QQQM's 20.46% return.

SEMI

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 8.41%
• YTD: 32.93%
• 6M: 33.31%
• 1Y: 64.05%
• 3Y*: 30.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQM

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 20.46%
• 6M: 19.51%
• 1Y: 41.06%
• 3Y*: 27.57%
• 5Y*: 17.04%
• 10Y*: —

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

SEMI vs. QQQM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SEMI Columbia Select Technology ETF	32.93%	24.91%	15.87%	45.37%	-23.94%
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	20.46%	20.85%	25.68%	55.01%	-27.80%

Correlation

The correlation between SEMI and QQQM is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	0.88

The correlation between SEMI and QQQM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

SEMI vs. QQQM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SEMI	QQQM
Technology	85.5%	58.7%
Communication Services	7.7%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	3.7%	11.4%
Financial Services	3.1%	0.2%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	3.7%
Industrials	-	2.6%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

SEMI vs. QQQM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEMI

SEMI Risk / Return Rank: 81
SEMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
SEMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SEMI Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SEMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
SEMI Martin Ratio Rank: 82

QQQM

QQQM Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
QQQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QQQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
QQQM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

SEMI vs. QQQM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM). 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.

	SEMI	QQQM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	2.36	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	3.05	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.41	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.47	3.45	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.09	12.82	+3.27

SEMI vs. QQQM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is comparable to the QQQM Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEMI and QQQM, 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

SEMI vs. QQQM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEMI drawdown since its inception was -33.46%, roughly equal to the maximum QQQM drawdown of -35.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEMI and QQQM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEMI	QQQM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.46%	-35.04%	+1.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.41%	-11.96%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.93%	-22.70%	-10.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.04%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.97%	+0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.86%	-8.20%	-1.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	3.21%	+0.78%

Volatility

SEMI vs. QQQM - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) has a higher volatility of 11.66% compared to Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) at 8.28%. This indicates that SEMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEMI	QQQM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.66%	8.28%	+3.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.90%	14.05%	+5.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.42%	17.55%	+6.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.85%	22.48%	+9.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.85%	22.26%	+9.59%

SEMI vs. QQQM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEMI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQM's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEMI vs. QQQM - Dividend Comparison

SEMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.37%, more than QQQM's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.53%	0.50%	0.61%	0.65%	0.83%	0.40%	0.16%
SEMI Columbia Select Technology ETF	3.37%	4.48%	0.96%	0.87%	0.67%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEMI and QQQM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, SEMI and QQQM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SEMI or QQQM?

SEMI has higher volatility (11.66%) compared to QQQM (8.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEMI dropped -33.46% vs QQQM's -35.04%.

Which ETF is better, SEMI or QQQM?

On 3-year performance, SEMI leads with 30.35% vs 27.57% for QQQM. On fees, QQQM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QQQM has been the lower-risk option at 8.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEMI or QQQM?

Over the 3-year period, SEMI has performed better with a 30.35% return vs 27.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEMI or QQQM?

QQQM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for SEMI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEMI or QQQM?

SEMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.37%, compared with 0.53% for QQQM.

What is the main difference between SEMI and QQQM?

SEMI is categorized as Semiconductors, while QQQM is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Columbia and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for SEMI and 0.15% for QQQM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SEMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 2.36), 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.