SMH vs. BTC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) and BTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index, while BTC is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Grayscale. SMH is passively managed, while BTC is actively managed. Over the past year, SMH returned 136.32% vs -40.53% for BTC. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMH charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for BTC.

Performance

SMH vs. BTC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMH achieves a 72.15% return, which is significantly higher than BTC's -27.37% return.

SMH

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: 8.30%
• YTD: 72.15%
• 6M: 75.62%
• 1Y: 136.32%
• 3Y*: 60.05%
• 5Y*: 38.42%
• 10Y*: 37.49%

BTC

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -20.09%
• YTD: -27.37%
• 6M: -29.59%
• 1Y: -40.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMH vs. BTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.15%	49.17%	6.00%
BTC Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF	-27.37%	-7.50%	41.93%

Correlation

The correlation between SMH and BTC is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2024	0.41

Return for Risk

SMH vs. BTC — 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: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

BTC

BTC Risk / Return Rank: 2
BTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BTC Omega Ratio Rank: 3
BTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BTC Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

SMH vs. BTC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC). 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.

	SMH	BTC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.13	-0.92	+5.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.26	-1.30	+5.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	0.85	+0.75
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.18	-0.78	+9.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	33.74	-1.37	+35.11

SMH vs. BTC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMH Sharpe Ratio is 4.13, which is higher than the BTC Sharpe Ratio of -0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMH and BTC, 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

SMH vs. BTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMH drawdown since its inception was -84.96%, which is greater than BTC's maximum drawdown of -51.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMH and BTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMH	BTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.96%	-51.97%	-32.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.93%	-51.97%	+37.04%
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	-2.81%	-49.38%	+46.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.04%	-17.26%	-23.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.06%	29.58%	-25.52%

Volatility

SMH vs. BTC - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a higher volatility of 16.25% compared to Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) at 11.89%. This indicates that SMH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BTC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMH	BTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.25%	11.89%	+4.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.73%	34.43%	-6.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.20%	44.03%	-10.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.47%	48.30%	-12.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.82%	48.30%	-15.48%

SMH vs. BTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMH has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than BTC's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMH vs. BTC - Dividend Comparison

SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, while BTC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTC Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust 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	0.18%	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 SMH and BTC in my portfolio?

SMH and BTC have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMH or BTC?

SMH has higher volatility (16.25%) compared to BTC (11.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMH dropped -84.96% vs BTC's -51.97%.

Which ETF is better, SMH or BTC?

On 1-year performance, SMH leads with 136.32% vs -40.53% for BTC. On fees, BTC is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BTC has been the lower-risk option at 11.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMH or BTC?

Over the 1-year period, SMH has performed better with a 136.32% return vs -40.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMH or BTC?

BTC is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.00% for BTC.

What is the main difference between SMH and BTC?

SMH is categorized as Semiconductors, while BTC is Cryptocurrency. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Grayscale. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMH and 0.15% for BTC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.13 vs -0.92), 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.