SMH vs. XLK
Compare and contrast key facts about VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK).
SMH and XLK are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. SMH is a passively managed fund by VanEck that tracks the performance of the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. It was launched on Dec 20, 2011. XLK is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Technology Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998. Both SMH and XLK are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: SMH or XLK.
Key characteristics
| SMH | XLK | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 24.46% | 3.99% |
| 1Y Return | 80.07% | 35.01% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 21.61% | 12.75% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 33.36% | 21.76% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 29.03% | 20.21% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 2.90 | 2.13 |
| Daily Std Dev | 28.21% | 17.81% |
| Max Drawdown | -95.73% | -82.05% |
| Current Drawdown | -7.06% | -5.15% |
Correlation
The correlation between SMH and XLK is 0.85, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
SMH vs. XLK - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, SMH achieves a 24.46% return, which is significantly higher than XLK's 3.99% return. Over the past 10 years, SMH has outperformed XLK with an annualized return of 29.03%, while XLK has yielded a comparatively lower 20.21% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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SMH vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison
SMH has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.13% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
SMH vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK). 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.
Dividends
SMH vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison
SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, less than XLK's 0.74% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SMH VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF | 0.48% | 0.60% | 2.37% | 1.02% | 1.38% | 6.00% | 3.75% | 2.85% | 1.61% | 4.28% | 2.31% | 3.11% |
XLK Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund | 0.74% | 0.76% | 1.04% | 0.69% | 0.92% | 1.16% | 1.60% | 1.37% | 1.74% | 1.79% | 1.75% | 1.70% |
Drawdowns
SMH vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SMH drawdown since its inception was -95.73%, which is greater than XLK's maximum drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMH and XLK. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
SMH vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison
VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a higher volatility of 9.37% compared to Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) at 5.46%. This indicates that SMH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.