SOXQ vs. XSD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SOXQ (Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF) and XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - SOXQ tracks the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index while XSD tracks the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SOXQ returned 34.04%/yr vs 26.73%/yr for XSD. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SOXQ charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XSD.

Performance

SOXQ vs. XSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with SOXQ having a 90.62% return and XSD slightly lower at 87.88%.

SOXQ

• 1D: -7.82%
• 1M: 10.55%
• YTD: 90.62%
• 6M: 87.99%
• 1Y: 158.27%
• 3Y*: 57.61%
• 5Y*: 34.04%
• 10Y*: —

XSD

• 1D: -6.88%
• 1M: -0.01%
• YTD: 87.88%
• 6M: 83.00%
• 1Y: 147.65%
• 3Y*: 43.10%
• 5Y*: 26.73%
• 10Y*: 30.69%

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

SOXQ vs. XSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	90.62%	43.11%	20.16%	66.74%	-35.59%	25.19%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	87.88%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	34.95%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXQ and XSD is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2021	0.93

The correlation between SOXQ and XSD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXQ vs. XSD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXQ	XSD
Technology	100.0%	98.0%
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	2.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXQ vs. XSD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXQ

SOXQ Risk / Return Rank: 94
SOXQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SOXQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SOXQ Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SOXQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXQ Martin Ratio Rank: 96

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 92
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

SOXQ vs. XSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). 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.

	SOXQ	XSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.11	3.65	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.02	3.77	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.51	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.22	7.98	+2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	36.68	26.27	+10.40

SOXQ vs. XSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXQ Sharpe Ratio is 4.11, which is comparable to the XSD Sharpe Ratio of 3.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXQ and XSD, 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

SOXQ vs. XSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXQ drawdown since its inception was -46.01%, smaller than the maximum XSD drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXQ and XSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXQ	XSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.01%	-64.56%	+18.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.59%	-18.61%	+3.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.36%	-41.25%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.01%	-42.27%	-3.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.82%	-7.06%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.87%	-13.72%	+0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	5.64%	-1.31%

Volatility

SOXQ vs. XSD - Volatility Comparison

Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) have volatilities of 22.04% and 22.76%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXQ	XSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.04%	22.76%	-0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.49%	33.53%	-1.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.78%	40.74%	-1.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.34%	39.20%	-1.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.24%	35.44%	+1.80%

SOXQ vs. XSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXQ has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than XSD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXQ vs. XSD - Dividend Comparison

SOXQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, more than XSD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	0.27%	0.50%	0.68%	0.87%	1.36%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXQ and XSD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SOXQ and XSD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SOXQ or XSD?

XSD has higher volatility (22.76%) compared to SOXQ (22.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXQ dropped -46.01% vs XSD's -64.56%.

Which ETF is better, SOXQ or XSD?

On 5-year performance, SOXQ leads with 34.04% vs 26.73% for XSD. On fees, SOXQ is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, SOXQ has been the lower-risk option at 22.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXQ or XSD?

Over the 5-year period, SOXQ has performed better with a 34.04% return vs 26.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXQ or XSD?

SOXQ is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XSD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SOXQ or XSD?

SOXQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.27%, compared with 0.13% for XSD.

What is the main difference between SOXQ and XSD?

SOXQ tracks PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, while XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for SOXQ and 0.35% for XSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.11 vs 3.65), 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.