SMH vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMH returned 37.49%/yr vs 17.90%/yr for VUG. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMH charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

SMH vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 VUG's 4.99% return. Over the past 10 years, SMH has outperformed VUG with an annualized return of 37.49%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively lower 17.90% annualized 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%

VUG

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -2.56%
• YTD: 4.99%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 21.15%
• 3Y*: 23.38%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 17.90%

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

SMH vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.15%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	4.99%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between SMH and VUG is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.78

The correlation between SMH and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMH vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMH	VUG
Technology	100.0%	53.5%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Communication Services	-	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	4.3%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Industrials	-	3.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

SMH vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 36
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.13	1.29	+2.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.26	1.78	+2.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.23	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.18	1.29	+7.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	33.74	4.43	+29.31

SMH vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMH Sharpe Ratio is 4.13, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMH and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMH drawdown since its inception was -84.96%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMH and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMH	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.96%	-50.68%	-34.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.93%	-16.53%	+1.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.74%	-22.85%	-12.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.30%	-35.61%	-9.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.30%	-35.61%	-9.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	-5.56%	+2.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.04%	-7.09%	-33.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.06%	4.79%	-0.73%

Volatility

SMH vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a higher volatility of 16.25% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 5.73%. This indicates that SMH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMH	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.25%	5.73%	+10.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.73%	13.00%	+14.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.20%	16.46%	+16.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.47%	22.30%	+13.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.82%	21.48%	+11.34%

SMH vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMH has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMH vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMH and VUG in my portfolio?

SMH and VUG have a correlation of 0.74, 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 VUG?

SMH has higher volatility (16.25%) compared to VUG (5.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMH dropped -84.96% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, SMH or VUG?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 37.49% vs 17.90% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 5.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMH or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 37.49% return vs 17.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMH or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between SMH and VUG?

SMH is categorized as Semiconductors, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMH and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.13 vs 1.29), 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.