SMHX vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMHX (VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMHX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SMHX returned 139.42% vs 61.27% for GDX. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMHX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

SMHX vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMHX achieves a 78.44% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.90% return.

SMHX

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: 33.64%
• YTD: 78.44%
• 6M: 72.62%
• 1Y: 139.42%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: -0.90%
• 6M: 5.62%
• 1Y: 61.27%
• 3Y*: 41.00%
• 5Y*: 18.69%
• 10Y*: 13.98%

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

SMHX vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	78.44%	30.00%	17.76%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.90%	154.77%	-10.56%

Correlation

The correlation between SMHX and GDX is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2024	0.22

SMHX vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

SMHX vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMHX

SMHX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SMHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SMHX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
SMHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SMHX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
GDX 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.

SMHX vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.

	SMHX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.30	1.35	+2.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.50	1.76	+2.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.25	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.22	2.00	+6.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.13	5.13	+18.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMHX vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMHX Sharpe Ratio is 4.30, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMHX and GDX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMHX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.30	1.35	+2.94
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.94	0.13	+1.82

Drawdowns

SMHX vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMHX drawdown since its inception was -38.53%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMHX and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMHX	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.53%	-80.34%	+41.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.06%	-30.84%	+13.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-30.84%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.51%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-26.62%	+26.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.33%	-40.43%	+33.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.05%	11.99%	-5.94%

Volatility

SMHX vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is 11.81%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 15.40%. This indicates that SMHX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMHX	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.81%	15.40%	-3.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.06%	37.50%	-12.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.69%	45.49%	-12.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.97%	36.39%	+3.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.97%	37.18%	+2.79%

SMHX vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMHX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMHX vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

SMHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than GDX's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.74%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	0.01%	0.02%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMHX and GDX in my portfolio?

SMHX and GDX have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMHX or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to SMHX (11.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMHX dropped -38.53% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, SMHX or GDX?

On 1-year performance, SMHX leads with 139.42% vs 61.27% for GDX. On fees, SMHX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SMHX has been the lower-risk option at 11.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMHX or GDX?

Over the 1-year period, SMHX has performed better with a 139.42% return vs 61.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMHX or GDX?

SMHX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMHX or GDX?

GDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.74%, compared with 0.01% for SMHX.

What is the main difference between SMHX and GDX?

SMHX is categorized as Semiconductors, while GDX is Gold. SMHX tracks MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMHX and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.30 vs 1.35), 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.