SMHX vs. HODL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMHX (VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - SMHX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index, while HODL is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SMHX returned 113.51% vs -39.68% for HODL. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMHX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

SMHX vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMHX achieves a 64.32% return, which is significantly higher than HODL's -28.75% return.

SMHX

• 1D: -5.60%
• 1M: 3.65%
• YTD: 64.32%
• 6M: 61.18%
• 1Y: 113.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HODL

• 1D: -3.24%
• 1M: -17.82%
• YTD: -28.75%
• 6M: -28.92%
• 1Y: -39.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMHX vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	64.32%	30.00%	15.56%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-28.75%	-6.42%	50.37%

Correlation

The correlation between SMHX and HODL is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.40

Return for Risk

SMHX vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMHX

SMHX Risk / Return Rank: 87
SMHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SMHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
SMHX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SMHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
SMHX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

HODL

HODL Risk / Return Rank: 2
HODL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Omega Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
HODL 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.

SMHX vs. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) and VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL). 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.

	SMHX	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.11	-0.90	+4.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	-1.26	+4.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	0.86	+0.60
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.69	-0.77	+7.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.96	-1.30	+19.27

SMHX vs. HODL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMHX Sharpe Ratio is 3.11, which is higher than the HODL Sharpe Ratio of -0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMHX and HODL, 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

SMHX vs. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMHX drawdown since its inception was -38.53%, smaller than the maximum HODL drawdown of -51.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMHX and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMHX	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.53%	-51.96%	+13.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.06%	-51.96%	+34.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.91%	-50.35%	+42.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.34%	-16.78%	+9.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.34%	30.49%	-24.15%

Volatility

SMHX vs. HODL - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) has a higher volatility of 19.93% compared to VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) at 13.07%. This indicates that SMHX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HODL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMHX	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.93%	13.07%	+6.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.76%	34.59%	-4.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.70%	44.11%	-7.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.48%	49.89%	-8.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.48%	49.89%	-8.41%

SMHX vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMHX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than HODL's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMHX vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

SMHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, while HODL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	0.01%	0.02%	0.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMHX and HODL in my portfolio?

SMHX and HODL have a correlation of 0.44, 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 HODL?

SMHX has higher volatility (19.93%) compared to HODL (13.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMHX dropped -38.53% vs HODL's -51.96%.

Which ETF is better, SMHX or HODL?

On 1-year performance, SMHX leads with 113.51% vs -39.68% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HODL has been the lower-risk option at 13.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMHX or HODL?

Over the 1-year period, SMHX has performed better with a 113.51% return vs -39.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMHX or HODL?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMHX.

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

SMHX has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between SMHX and HODL?

SMHX is categorized as Semiconductors, while HODL is Cryptocurrency. SMHX tracks MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMHX and 0.25% for HODL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.11 vs -0.90), 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.