SHOC vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SHOC (Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - SHOC tracks the Bloomberg US Listed Semiconductors Select Index - Benchmark TR Gross while SMH tracks the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SHOC returned 56.12%/yr vs 66.26%/yr for SMH. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SHOC charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

SHOC vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SHOC having a 81.69% return and SMH slightly higher at 85.74%.

SHOC

• 1D: 1.74%
• 1M: 15.76%
• YTD: 81.69%
• 6M: 81.47%
• 1Y: 152.44%
• 3Y*: 56.12%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 16.07%
• YTD: 85.74%
• 6M: 85.96%
• 1Y: 157.81%
• 3Y*: 66.26%
• 5Y*: 40.65%
• 10Y*: 38.85%

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

SHOC vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SHOC Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF	81.69%	49.91%	16.74%	61.97%	-1.79%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	85.74%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	1.64%

Correlation

The correlation between SHOC and SMH is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 6, 2022	0.98

The correlation between SHOC and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

SHOC vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SHOC	SMH
Technology	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SHOC vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHOC

SHOC Risk / Return Rank: 95
SHOC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SHOC Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SHOC Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SHOC Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SHOC Martin Ratio Rank: 96

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
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.

SHOC vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF (SHOC) 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.

	SHOC	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.40	4.66	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.38	4.60	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.66	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.51	10.63	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	37.16	38.91	-1.74

SHOC vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHOC Sharpe Ratio is 4.40, which is comparable to the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHOC 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

SHOC vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHOC drawdown since its inception was -37.54%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHOC and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHOC	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.54%	-84.96%	+47.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.59%	-14.93%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.54%	-35.74%	-1.80%
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	-7.44%	-41.01%	+33.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.12%	4.07%	+0.05%

Volatility

SHOC vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF (SHOC) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) have volatilities of 17.00% and 17.29%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHOC	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.00%	17.29%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.12%	28.18%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.93%	34.14%	+0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.86%	35.68%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.86%	32.95%	+2.91%

SHOC vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHOC has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHOC vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

SHOC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SHOC Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.23%	0.35%	0.65%	0.24%	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

Can I hold both SHOC and SMH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, SHOC and SMH 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, SHOC or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.29%) compared to SHOC (17.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHOC dropped -37.54% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, SHOC or SMH?

On 3-year performance, SMH leads with 66.26% vs 56.12% for SHOC. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SHOC has been the lower-risk option at 17.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHOC or SMH?

Over the 3-year period, SMH has performed better with a 66.26% return vs 56.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHOC or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for SHOC.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.13% for SHOC.

What is the main difference between SHOC and SMH?

SHOC tracks Bloomberg US Listed Semiconductors Select Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SHOC and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.66 vs 4.40), 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.