SMH vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMH returned 37.49%/yr vs 9.20%/yr for XLU. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMH charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

SMH vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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 XLU's 5.04% return. Over the past 10 years, SMH has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 37.49%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.20% 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%

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -0.31%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 11.85%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

SMH vs. XLU - 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%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SMH and XLU is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.07
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2000	0.27

The correlation between SMH and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.07 (3 years) to 0.27 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SMH vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

SMH vs. XLU — 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

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.13	0.81	+3.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.26	1.18	+3.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.15	+0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.18	1.30	+7.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	33.74	2.80	+30.94

SMH vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMH Sharpe Ratio is 4.13, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMH and XLU, 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. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMH drawdown since its inception was -84.96%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMH and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMH	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.96%	-51.98%	-32.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.93%	-9.18%	-5.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.74%	-17.26%	-18.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.30%	-25.26%	-20.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.30%	-36.07%	-9.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	-6.05%	+3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.04%	-10.22%	-30.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.06%	4.25%	-0.19%

Volatility

SMH vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a higher volatility of 16.25% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.59%. This indicates that SMH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMH	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.25%	5.59%	+10.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.73%	11.68%	+16.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.20%	14.66%	+18.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.47%	17.34%	+18.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.82%	19.27%	+13.55%

SMH vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMH has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMH vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, less than XLU's 2.67% 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%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMH and XLU in my portfolio?

SMH and XLU have a correlation of 0.13, 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 XLU?

SMH has higher volatility (16.25%) compared to XLU (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMH dropped -84.96% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, SMH or XLU?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 37.49% vs 9.20% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMH or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 37.49% return vs 9.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMH or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between SMH and XLU?

SMH is categorized as Semiconductors, while XLU is Utilities Equities. SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMH and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.13 vs 0.81), 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.